UPPER UPPER COE

We've looked at this for a while, waiting for enough water. Finally it came: not sure if it was a first descent or not ( January 2006?)

This is the stretch of the Coe above the Falls of Coe, running parallel and under the road. Get on at the strange dome-shaped cairn, and get off where the Falls cascade into the river. The section below does go, but is a bit of a portage fest.

The more water the better for this. As long as you can squeeze under the bridges! Some of the holes are sticky.

4/5. Very continuous, with one notable drop and loads of BIG slides.

  • DESCRIPTION/REPORT

Very claustrophobic, but well worth doing in combination with the ALLT LAIRIG EILDE. The whole thing has an untamed feel, with lots of sharp rocks and nasty bedrock formations.

The start provides little indication of what is to come, with a very narrow gorge and some boulder fields. The first drop leads under the road and a small tunnel: worth checking for debris before you get on. Some small slabs with surprisingly sticky holes keep you on your toes, before another tunnel back under the road.

After this the action hots up. Look out for an eddy on the right by a big boulder: it's the last one for a while! The biggest drop is next: a boof ledge followed by a very narrow undercut section leading to a deep hole. Do not miss the boof. If you loop in the bottom hole roll quickly...................

The final section is the best, and possibly the most intimidating. Several slides coupled together have a "particle accelerator" effect, and even the larger holes won't stop you. Don't roll, it's very shallow with some nasty sharp rocks scattered about. The next eddy is the takeout, right underneath the bridge. Climb back up to the road and have another go!

  • PHOTOS

(click to enlarge)

The biggest ledge on the Upper Upper Coe   Relaxing halfway down   The slabs   Andy following on....

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