The god of rain had been looking after us for a few days and we all had some Christmas pudding to work off, so it seemed like a great chance to head back to Newbold (near Rugby) to paddle the Avon.

There were six of us from HCC and four members of Leamington CC who joined us for the day.

The water had dropped to a high winter level, which was ideal for what we wanted. After a quick car shuttle we all headed downstream towards Wolston bridge. This stretch of river is only navigable in high water and is very narrow and twisty in places with low bridges and there are two small weirs .

On route there were a few trees blocking the river that we had to portage. It was a good paddle on an interesting stretch of river with good company and the last paddle of 2013

Dave Clarke