Thought would be good fun if people talked about different rivers they have paddled in Uk and what they though was a pro or con of river and give advice to other people palnning river trips for example i paddled the Dart/Loop not that long ago and i think its a brilliant river for most levels of paddlers who arnt looking for anything to serious unless the levels are high and its good to get into playboating but they problem is it tends to have little water in and when that happens it turns into a boulder field, any comments on this river and others welcome

I live in Scotland and the river i know best is the Tay especially the section from stanley.
A definite pro is that one of the few rivers which is never empty No surprises! You'll have features for anyone. Big smiles (or swims) for beginners and playspots for intermediate paddlers. Class is 2-3. However in lower levels there is not much to play in. Upstream of the put-in you'll find "the wall" which has a clean powerful eddyline. Good for tailies! (not that i manage to do one) Staying upstream the put-in is good if you're up for play but levels are low or medium.
In high and very high water running the river is great. Some spots have big waves and its just fun.
Be aware that there is a partly destroyed weir just below the put-in. Apperently there is a steel rod in the river right opening. You don't want that to stick in your body.....

Cons? be nice to the fishermen and make a big circle around them.

However, If you decide to do a trip to scotland i would recommend going to the westcoast.. more rain, more creeks and if you're sick of the water go for a walk.. There is plenty for all! But i'll post once i got to run the Etive(middle).. apperently the best boof training run.. if you mess up you turn up in a pool..Easy!

Tom

South Wales is a great area, there is rivers for everybody from gentle touring stretches to full on creek runs and every thing in between , so it all depends on what your after but theres aload of fun things for everyone. My Favourite run is prob either Upper Tawe or Mellte. Fav play spot The Bitches.

The Tawe looks good fun very challaging may be next year or so when bit better not ran to many rivers in wales best was upper tryweryn which was really good fun enjoyed the lower to especialy bala mill falls that is good

If you're in the south country () then the dart in high water is good
Anything at night time is good aswell