LAROCH

See page 169 of the Scottish Guidebook.

Flows into Ballachulish from the south. Turn off the main road into Ballachulish, then turn left at the Co-Op. Shortly after you reach a bridge. Check the level here, and park carefully. If you have a few vehicles, leave them at the village hall by the main road. Walk up the track on river left past the school and farm. For the lower section, you can cut down to the river after about two kilometres. For the harder upper gorges, keep going and cross a trib. The river can be seen to descend into a gorge soon, so get on at the top of this gorge. 

Needs a lot of water, especially for the bottom section. If the boulderfield at the bridge looks floatable but not huge, then this is a good level for the gorge. If there is more water, the gorge will be pushy.

The river is a bit of an adventure: don't expect it to be too "friendly". There are lots of drops on this, and some are on the nasty side of good. However, just about everything goes and it's a brilliant paddle. The first gorge contains the hard Entry Falls, which typify the rest of the river. Smaller drops lead down the claustrophobic gorge until you reach a great ledge, with a lovely boof.

The river now narrows slightly, and there are lots of tight drops and gutters. Try not to get pinned anywhere: a creek boat is definitely best on this river. After lots of these little drops a big multi-drop appears, followed by the hardest drop. At 5+, "Sick and Twisted" does exactly what it says! There are five drops here, a mix of tight slots and shelves. If you don't fancy it, portage left. 

The ledges just downstream are well worth getting back on for: amazing! A tributary soon enters, and the river eases off. There are still lots of ledges and holes to keep you occupied as you head down towards Ballachulish. One more double drop is of note. Eventually you reach the village and bridge, where you can get out. Head to the pub!!

        

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