Canoe England
River EDEN: Lazonby to Armathwaite Weir (Nunnery Rapids) Canoeing Agreement 2013/14
· for Canoe England members and affiliated Groups
This stretch of river is noted for its beauty. It is also a sensitive area. Over 5 miles, covered by the Agreement, the river generally runs at grade 2 with grade 3 in parts (notably the nunnery rapid). The combination of valley scenery, river features, wildlife and rock carvings make this trip a unique experience. The river is a notable salmon and trout fishery with game shooting along its banks. It is essential that canoeists recognise the sensitivity of the wildlife and other sporting interests. The restrictions to our passage are intended to safeguard these interests.
· 1st April to 15th April No Canoeing
· 16th April to 31 May; No canoeing except in spate conditions as defined (Spate conditions: When the river is above 3 feet at Lazonby Bridge, canoeing is permitted.)
· 1st June to 31 August; Canoeing on weekdays and 1st and 3rd weekends in each month, Saturday being the governing day. Launching from 1200 hours to 1500 hours. All canoeist must be clear of the river by 1700 hours.(subject to booking conditions)
· 1st September to 15th October; No canoeing except in spate conditions as defined.
· 16th October to 31st March; Canoeing can take place subject to booking and conditions relating to access and egress and no landing except in emergency.
Access point: Public car park by Lazonby Bridge left bank. Vehicles must not be taken into the fields.
Egress point: Is on the left hand bank just above Armathwaite Weir where a small stream joins the river. Follow the red marker signs behind the first building, over a stile and continue alongside the wire fence to a second stile. Go over this and proceed to the recessed iron gate at the road. This is a public footpath. Do not deviate from it (Canoes must be carried to preserve pedestrian status). Take great care not to let animals out of the field, or damage pasture, fences, walls, gates or hedges. Don’t use the private farm road near Mill Farm or the farm precincts, or the old route along the river bank past Armathwaite Castle. Be ready to show B.C.U. membership card.
Procedure for Canoeing
· Contact the local River advisor, Antony Pike Border Kayaks Unit 3 Sandilands Townfoot Longtown CA6 5LY / phone 01228 791534 At least 10 days beforehand to check the date you want paddle is free when you have booked your days paddle then confirm it by, E-Mail to with details of your group and date, this will then be forwarded to the riparian owners.
Conditions of the Agreement
It has always been an important part of this agreement that the fishing interests are safeguarded. To ensure its continuing success canoeists must observe the following:-
· The agreement makes no facility for commercial groups.
· The agreement is not intended for introducing people to white water canoeing. Groups must be capable of completing a trouble free passage.
· Disturbance to water must be minimal, especially in pool below rapids during the fishing season. During the fishing season this will normally require a straight passage down river.
· No landing on any banks except in emergency.
· No carrying boats back upstream or paddling back up rapids to play in pools.
· No more than 2 parties maximum 20 canoeists in any one day.
· B.C.U. numbers must be displayed on all canoes.
Extract from the Watersports code
· Keep a sharp lookout for fishermen.
· Keep away from banks being fished.
· Give a hail if you think your approach has been unnoticed.
· Comply with any signals they make to indicate whether they wish you to wait a moment or to pass.
· Keep clear of lines, do not loiter in fishing pool and cause as little disturbance as possible.
An otter haven has been established on this part of the River Eden. Its management requires, amongst other things, that disturbance is kept to an absolute minimum.