This is a nice day - not a mind blower but the main drop mid way through provides something of interest. After putting in, things continue at an easy difficulty level for 1/4 of a mile. There are sporadic sets of small rapids and 1 section which can be overgrown with branches requiring some ducking and dodging. The main drop is marked by the river closing in on both sides - to the right with branches, to the left with an earthen bank. The drop is usually run by continuing through the slot/channel that shoots right.
The Big Drop can now be run on far River Right at high levels ( above 0.7m ) as the trees have been trimmed back ( 12/07 see picture )
Below there is a large pool for recovery. Afterwards there is a boulder garden section, watch out for the dead tree on river left at the end of this section. and the river slows down with a long flat water section at the end. Take out is just before the main bridge on river left in Dunmanway.
There is now a tree down on the entrance to the S-Bend on River Right, some of it has been cut back though ( 12/07 see picture )
The main drop is worth scouting if you have not paddled the river before.
Low lying branches close in on 1 section and are worth mentioning.
There is a gauge by the bridge in Dunmanway. The Upper Bandon rises and falls quite quickly.
Can be ran at minimum of -0.2, but very scrapy at this level
Below 0.2, it is hardly worth it.
At medium levels, its mostly 2+, 3- apart from the big drop.
At 0.6m and above the rapid sections will get pushier (4).
The last km to Dunmanway is always a flat slog,
Put In From Cork City Direction: Drive into Dunmanway town and take the first right by the petrol station. Continue out this road for 3km and take the first turn to the left ( signposted for The Birth Place of Sam Maguire ) just before a concrete bridge over the river. Continue up this road for 1.7km until you get to a crossroads. Turn right and drive 0.3km until you come to the river. There is space for 1 car at this point.
Take Out: Take out is at the bridge coming into Dunmanway town from the Cork direction. There is ample space along the road for parking. Note: the big drop can be scouted before hand by stopping at a gateway on the bohereen. Keep checking the river to the right of the road until you see a large pool which is just below the drop. There does not appear to be access problems but respect the area surrounding the drop if cattle are present.
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Upper Bandon Map, Credit goes to UCC for this.
Dave P
