LENY

See page 312 of the Scottish Guidebook.

Just past Callander on the A82. As you leave Callander you will see signs to Aberfoyle on the left. Turn off and park just over the bridge; this is the get-out. To reach the get-in, get back on the A82 and drive away from Callander until you reach a big layby on the left, just after a left turn. To look at the highlight, the Falls, there is a Forestry car park about half way up the river.

The more water the better! In low flows it provides a bit of entertainment, but the Falls are horrible. As the level increases the Falls get easier but the rest gets more continuous. An absolute blast in huge water, but the eddies above the Falls disappear.......

The Leny is one of my favourite rivers, and used to be my local. The grade gradually increases until the Falls, and then eases slightly with a couple of lovely grade 4 drops. Lots of play waves and holes keep you entertained between the drops. 

The river starts off flat, and here is a favourite spot for fisherman. The gradient steadily increases as you pass under the iron bridge, and a playwave/warm-up spot. A splat rock and a brilliant play hole follow, and then it's into the lead in to the falls. This is pretty long but continous; watch out for another play wave by a big boulder. There are lots of eddies above the falls, but these disappear as the levels rise.

The Falls themselves are split by an island, and are on a distinct left bend. There are two choices of eddy for scouting/walking: the left is marked by a low branch and is better for photos of both sides, whilst the right is right on the lip of the falls but provides slightly easier walking. If you miss the eddy there is a last gasp one on the left, right above the drop.

Suprisingly (!) there are two lines down the falls: left and right. DON'T GO NEAR THE RIGHT IN HIGH WATER. The left cleans up as the water levels rise, but the right becomes heinous. The right hand-side is technically easier; however the consequences of getting it wrong are a big beating in the hole at the bottom. After the Falls is a ledge drop in the gorge below. Scout this as in high flows it has a massive boily hole/wave/mess. Don't forget to wave to the tourists!!!!

Once you've picked up the pieces in the large pool below (another fishing spot), head downriver. Round the next bend are two grade fours in a row. The first, Wee Stinker, can be taken left or right. The hole in the middle is pretty grippy when high. Be prepared for the next drop though as there as no eddies. S-bends does exactly what it says on the tin: the line is left past the first two holes then a ballsy move to finish right. A sneak is possible down the left for those not fancying the crossover!

Easier paddling and a mulitude of playspots leads you under a footbridge and down to the get-off at the stone bridge. Get out river right (SCA Access point).

(click to enlarge)

The left of the Falls of Leny   Falls of Leny   Congo down the left!   Hucking the gorge  

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