Canoe trip down the River Sella
Descent of the River Sella
Apparently sometime during the 1930's three friends decided to have a race down the River Sella in Canoes starting at Arriondas and ending up about 14 Kilometres or so downstream just short of Ribadesella. This jaunt down the river has grown into a Spanish institution culminating on August 5th each year in a huge event involving thousands of people battling their way down this gentle river and then partying like there is no tomorrow in Ribadesella. Great, if you are young, fit and impervious to hangovers! Sadly I am no longer any of these, but the good news is, us mere mortals can still enjoy a more gentle (sometimes) canoe trip down the lovely River Sella courtesy or any number of operators in the Arriondas and Cangas de Onis area.
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For around £15 per person you are supplied with: a canoe (essential equipment) paddles, life jackets, a waterproof container complete with picnic lunch and comprehensive instructions about how to navigate the treacherous rapids and white-water between base camp and the final destination. Actually there are no rapids or white-water which is just as well as all the instructions are given in rapidly spoken Spanish which meant that aside from between 3 and 5 hours we didnt understand anything else that was said.
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The trip is delightful and really good fun, though more strenuous than you might think. Paddling 14 kilometres is quite tough, as this also includes getting in and out of your canoe to push it through shallow bits and away from banks inconveniently placed on both sides of the river often forcing collisions with trees and fellow travellers.
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Fortunately, you can stop when and where you like, eat your picnic, have a drink, admire the wonderful scenery, stretch your legs (to match your arms), have a swim, and explore the riverbank other than with your head. There are even a couple of bars you can stop for a cider or beer, although this might not help your navigation skills!
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When you finally reach your destination downstream some 3 to 5 hours later (ah,so that's what he meant) you are picked up and driven back to base camp. Which is just as well, as any form of additional exercise would be out of the question. An excellent day out, voted top marks by the whole family including my 16 year old daughter and 13 year old son, a real achievement on every level!
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