22 February 2014 – Ogmore - Brynmenyn to Merthyr Mawr

(club members) JN, SW, EJ, NB

After deciding the usual get in at McArthur Glen to Merthyr Mawr was too short a paddle for today, we decided to get in up river not at Blackmill but at Brynmenyn.
The water was at a good level for an enjoyable paddle, no scrapes and high enough for plenty of play. Most of the drops gave a fairly good wave and we progressed fairly fast between them but spent the time playing at more or less each one. The closed weir about half way down upon inspection looked as if it may have been a problem if not hit correctly, but after having set up some safety, the first one through, Nick, blasted his way through no problem. We all duly blasted our way through, the tow back being a bit ‘grabby’ but no real problem. Steve was keen to try out his new camera and persevered trying to get action shots of us at the weir but unfortunately got plenty of kayak sterns, plenty of kayak bows, plenty of kayakers heads plenty of kayaker’s bodies but none complete (except one of Emlyn).

Then down to Bridgend town, where we stopped and inspected the weir in the centre, but it looked no problem and we just enjoyed the drop. After that it was plain sailing paddling down to the stone bridge just above Merthyr Mawr where we got out. Another good days paddling.

JN