{"product_id":"canoeing-in-the-ardeche-with-ray-mears","title":"Canoeing in the Ardeche with Ray Mears","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Path of the Paddle\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e6th - 12th September 2026\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst learning to canoe several years ago, Ray came up with the excellent concept of learning to canoe in warmer water than we would normally experience in places like Wales or Scotland. This would give a little more enjoyment to learning rescue techniques and falling in.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTherefore, Ray decided Woodlore should teach people to canoe in Southern France. The Ardeche is a perfect environment in which to learn to canoe with warm weather, warm water and stunning 300m limestone cliff scenery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the course you will be introduced to the canoe by Ray, who will be assisted by our specialist instructor who is one of the most experienced canoe coaches in the area with plenty of local knowledge. The course will start with three preparatory days on different sections of the river learning strokes, rescues, swimming rapids, poling, lining and negotiating moving water. By day 4 you will be confident and fairly competent canoeists, and we make a two-day, 28km, expedition descent of the river, tackling exciting grade 2 rapids. We will spend the night in the gorge at a bivvy site with toilet, shower and BBQ facilities, within the National Park, where you may get the chance to see the local Wild Boar.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe range of wildlife in the region is impressive with sightings at our camp site alone including scorpions, snakes, praying mantis, frogs, lizards, and slow worms. Whilst in the gorge there are often sightings of eagles, kite and beaver.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe whole region is steeped in history with the area being famous for its prehistoric cave artwork and dolmen burial sites. This area also housed a number of resistance fighters or Maquis, which caused the Nazi occupation many problems during the Second World War. The wooded hills and deep inaccessible valleys made this a perfect area for such partisan operations, and the area is littered with pointers to this part of history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the course we will be giving you a robust introduction to flat and white water and also how to expedition using the canoe. Our aim will be to make you an efficient and self-contained tandem canoeist with both practical day sessions and evening lectures. You will be provided with an open canoe, paddles, a buoyancy aid, and a helmet and all other necessary canoe equipment for the duration of the course.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou will be staying in a private outdoors centre which is situated on the banks of the Ardèche river, a short drive away from the main town of Vallon Pont d’Arc. Your camping accommodation will be glamping style in chic shared canvas bell tents, which will be furnished with beds, all bed linen and an electricity power socket. Alternatively, you can bring your own tent.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis course is self-catered, so you will need to bring your own food. There is the option to enjoy the wide range of local delicacies available at nearby restaurants or there are also several supermarkets in the area if you prefer to purchase local produce and cook at the campsite in the evenings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe outdoors centre is the perfect space to spend time in the evenings relaxing. There is a lounge and bar area with riverside views, a beach volleyball court, and a boules court. Of course, being on the riverbank means there is a private river beach, so you’re always a stone’s throw away from your next dip in the Ardèche’s refreshing water.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe are there in September to get the best of the water levels before it becomes very high later in the season and to avoid the crowds in July and August.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe will meet on the first evening at the outdoors centre, where you will have the chance to get to know the team and your fellow canoeists. You will also find out about the course and what to expect over the coming days.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe course will start at 18:00 on day 1 and finish at 12:00 on the final day.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"raymearswoodlore","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53572050190675,"sku":null,"price":2995.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1043\/0876\/9107\/files\/Image9_89da891c-7a24-4b5e-89e3-4c85985b4773.jpg?v=1777049320","url":"https:\/\/raymears.com\/products\/canoeing-in-the-ardeche-with-ray-mears","provider":"Woodlore Limited","version":"1.0","type":"link"}