River Dee, Farndon to Eccleston ferry

[advent100]

After dropping the car at Eccleston ferry, we made our way to Fardon for the put in.

Farndon bridge

We used one of the man made fishing pegs to launch, plenty of fishermen about, we also passed the bailiff who was friendly. Being new to canoeing, with only 3 previous outings under our belts, We are at present uncertain as to where we can put in and take out without any problems (here was fine).

Within the first minute, just passing under the bridge a large salmon/trout jumped directly in front of the canoe.

I must admit we have been a little worried about having any conflict with fishermen, but every one we passed along this trip was friendly and quite happy to chat.

We passed plenty of wildlife along the way:
Many Ducks & Swans, 3 Cormorants, 2 kingfishers & 1 grass snake.

Also friendly fellow paddlers & swimmers.




Anyway here are some of the pictures from our most enjoyable trip.





Freindly paddler, who I told about SOTP.



The Iron Bridge, I'm sure this enters the Eaton estate.
A young boy had just hit on a fish as we approached, left of picture.



Much to our surprise, passing in front of us was a grass snake, we turned around to get this snap, It is there honestly, around the middle of the picture, you can just make out it's markings.



Just after the bridge we passed a little entrance to a small bridge (didn't know if it was safe to explore, so didn't).



With the bells chiming 4 o'clock we passed along side the entrance to the
Eaton estate



I managed to get a shot of a kingfisher in the middle of this picture, but like the snake pic, you need a magnifying glass, sorry.



coming up to the take out at Eccleston ferry we passed two swimmers, after veiwing this pic when we got home, we noticed above and to the right of this swimmer an object, which we do not have a clue as to what it is. If anyone can make it out, please let me know.



The trip took us about 4 hrs, we returned to farndon to collect the van, took one more picture of the lovely bridge and the guy now fishing where we put in & went home feeling very pleased and relaxed.

Thanks for looking,

Ed.

[MagiKelly]

That's a great looking river.

For all our better access rights up here you do not see people swimming in rivers much. Must be the col that stops them

[KeithD]

we noticed above and to the right of this swimmer an object, which we do not have a clue as to what it is. If anyone can make it out, please let me know.

It looks like a grass snake (or a kingfisher)

Nice blog.

[Willpower]

coming up to the take out at Eccleston ferry we passed two swimmers, after veiwing this pic when we got home, we noticed above and to the right of this swimmer an object, which we do not have a clue as to what it is. If anyone can make it out, please let me know.

Looks like a sawn off tree branch jutting out of the river bank to me.


PS I saw the kingfisher

[Gibbo]

Nice blog and pics, and I did manage to see the kingfisher in the picture. How's the new boat going?

[Bob Andrews]

My brother in law lives in Chester and we have frequently paddled this stretch down to Chester.

Yesterday he emailed me to say the fishermen had withdrawn access. This seems odd as there are all sorts of craft using this stretch from large pleasure cruisers to row boats, canoes and a sailing club!

Anyone know the facts?

Bob Andrews

[advent100]

Thank's for all your replys

Nice blog and pics, and I did manage to see the kingfisher in the picture. How's the new boat going?

Thank's Gibbo, very pleased so far, but I shall be making a few alterations and amendments, for example, when i get around to it I shall sand down and glass cloth her belly. I also plan on making a removable picnic come watertight storage box out of ply to go over the centre butt joint seams which (I think) will add a bit more rigidity when only two of us are paddling.

Ed.

[BlueCanoe]

Lovely photos! That looks like my kind of river!

Jim

[TGB]

Fine blog with nice photos. Reckon that's a sawn off tree stump.

TGB

[advent100]

Thanks Jim.

Thanks TGB.

"Tree stump" seems to be the most popular (& only suggestions) so far.

I shall be returning for another paddle over that section of the Dee, within the next few weeks, so I shall solve the big mystery

Ed.

[Lucky Duck]

Just after the bridge we passed a little entrance to a small bridge (didn't know if it was safe to explore, so didn't).

Hi Ed,
I've paddled the section from Farndon down to Chester many times, but I can't recall this tributary & bridge. Must open my eyes next time! I guess it's another part of Duke of Westminster's estate. The swimmers are probably from the local triathlon (nutters) club.
I reckon it's a sawn-off tree stump. good excuse to go for a paddle to confirm it .

FYI, the Dee is free access up to Farndon as it is still tidal that far up river: On a high tide the weir at Chester will be covered.

Kevin

[advent100]

Hi Kev,

Here's the (little bridge) we passed.



Ed.

[Lucky Duck]

Hmm Looking at the map it's Aldford Brook. Takes you to....Aldford! Never been there but there's a funny symbol on the map that looks like a blue beer glass.

Kevin

[rhamlett]

A group of us paddled on the River Dee from Eccleston Ferry with plans to go up to Aldford via the brook. It was here that we met some fishemen, one of which said rather grumpily '... this is private water you know...'. Is it, does anyone know if access to the brook and beyond exists?

[Dwardo]

A few months ago a friend and i paddled from chester heading for Bangor on Dee. We stopped for an evening on the Dee early on before the motorway bridge and then headed out as far as we could. We managed to get to farm land just outside Bangor on dee but the current was way too strong.

In regards to access we didnt get any issues and in the past we have just said ohhh sorry didnt know never mind and just kept paddling

lovely stretch of water though.

PS i also saw that little pass near the eaton house but it looked very private....