On Saturday morning (28^th) both Walter Foster and I met at the starting point of the Glasgow to Edinburgh challenge (Speirs Wharf).  The challenge is a two-day timed event with the total distance being 57 miles. The first day involves paddling 24 miles from Glasgow to the Falkirk Wheel along the Clyde Canal while the second day is a 33 mile journey from the Falkirk Wheel to the end of the Union Canal in Edinburgh. 

I expected to be using bow rudders to avoid the usual shopping trolley and the occasional forward paddling sprint to avoid stone throwers however this was not the case. On leaving Glasgow the Clyde Canal transforms into a picturesque water feast. The Canal was more a kin to the Norfolk broads than to the remains of the industrial revolution. Highly recommended for both cycling and paddling. 

The only challenge of the first day was a Swan about 2 km from the Falkirk wheel. This Swan took an unhealthy interest in my boat. After several attempts I eventually managed to escape its interest however a person behind me unfortunately capsized while trying to defend himself.  Day one complete and with a time of 6 hours 20 minutes it was time for a rest. 

The second day started with me over hearing conversations about the Livingston and Edinburgh Swans. As I was paddling on my own  this really cheered me up and to make matters worse my radio stopped working after 500 meters! 

As I approached Livingston I managed to avoid a Swan guarding its territory however after about 30 meters of passing the bird I could hear the beat of its wings. It had decided to fly towards me and my only reaction was to paddle hard. Several Swan events later (I was now getting use to it) I was now less than 500 meters from the finish. Fantastic nearly 57 miles complete and I was exhausted.

As I approach the finish my wife was waving and running along the canal path.  I thought she was giving me support but she was trying frantically to warn me about the “Edinburgh” Swan. There was a nest near the finish line and this male Swan was very agitated. As it approached me the crowd started to shout “paddle” and “paddle hard”. Fortunately the Swan decided that I was not worth the hassle (I did look an exhausted state) and I managed to escape with my dignity. 

After crossing the finish line I struggle out of the boat and joined the crowd at the finish line to watch the numerous swan attacks. It is a great spectator sport! 

I managed to finish 13^th in the K1 non-stop category with a total time of 14 hours 7 minutes. 

I would highly recommend the Glasgow to Edinburgh Challenge. It can be done as a relay team event or as an individual.

H. Anderson, 6/5/7.