The local group “Paddle the Owenabue” which was set up in early 2020 to enable locals get together and organise kayak trips as a group outing and to cater for everyone of all abilities both the novice and experienced kayakers.
Last week two different groups tackled the Owenabue river. The starting point was the bridge in Ballinhassig and following the course of the river on through Ballygarvan and past the back of the Quarry, then over the Millrace with the derelict Mill and waterworks station then under the new Pottery Road bridge and exited by the Community centre.
The river was a real challenge with lots of obstacles, fallen trees and branches blocking parts or in some case the full width of the river…the group even managed to clear the Ballea Bridge which was also clogged by large branches and debris. There was a good flow of water to assist them along the route.
The Owenabue river valley is a beautiful stretch of waterway with plenty of scenery and wildlife along the route with buzzards, kingfishers and of course our local heron’s spotted on the day. This was a 4 hour kayak and covered a stretch of 12km of river…..and its right on our doorstep.
The Group have been busy on the waterways already in 2023 with Kayak trips around Spike Island and Haulbowline Naval Base along with trips out of Crosshaven and again last Sunday with the Corkumnavigation -Cork City water trails group a trip around the City -consisting of Kayaking up the north channel then over the Weir at the Kingsley Hotel and down the narrower South Channel and past UCC with other local groups.
As the weather improves and the evening begin to stretch ..we will post all upcoming events
If anyone is interested in Kayaking just visit our Facebook page paddle the Owenabue.
Best of all this is a free activity (provided you have your own kayak)
So what are you waiting for …….let’s get out there and enjoy the great outdoors