Summer weekend kayaking returns to scenic mountain lake near Tipperary village

Summer kayaking is returning to one of south Tipperary’s must stunning mountain beauty spots – Bay Lough - near Clogheen this Saturday and Sunday, May 25 and 26.

Tourism community group Knockmealdown Active is organising the weekend kayaking sessions, which were introduced to the corrie lake last summer and were hugely popular.

The kayaking sessions are available at Bay Lough on selected weekends during the summer including the upcoming June Bank Holiday weekend, June 1, 2, 3.

Getting a kayak to the lake, is logistically difficult. So the volunteers of Knockmealdown Active are, once again, handling the logistics for anyone who wishes to try the experience.

All kayaks are the sit-on variety, which are very easy to manage. Worst case scenario, you just fall off and get back on again.

This is different to a sit-in kayak, which requires a good deal more experience.

Members of the Knockmealdown Active group will be on hand, as well as fully qualified instructors on the lake, to ensure sessions run smoothly.

The corrie lake on the Tipperary/Waterford border is famous as the alleged resting place of Mary Hannigan, aka Petticoat Loose. It is one of the most visited beauty spots in south Tipperary and is the venue for the kayak section of the Knock ME Down Adventure Race, held in August each year (now booking at www.KnockMeDown.ie)

Bay Lough is ideal for kayaking. The lack of currents means that when you stop paddling, the boat stops. It is possible to take rests whenever you wish.

Many people just paddle to the edge to sit and appreciate the peace and tranquility of the lake and its surrounds. There is also the soothing sound of a rhododendron covered waterfall on the lake’s furthest perimeter.

All this makes it an ideal entry point into kayaking for people with no experience. The initiative is aimed at beginners and those learning to kayak.

Single and double kayaks are available. Doubles can take an adult and a child or two adults. Children under 16 must have an accompanying adult. This means an adult is with them on the water in another single or they are together on a double craft.

There is no specific gear or clothing necessary, as all safety gear and paddles are provided.

Participants should bring a change of clothing, particularly footwear. It is likely that your feet will get wet, so wear something that can handle this. Occasionally people do fall off, or water gets onboard, neither of which is a problem. The kayak rental periods are from 11am in the morning until 4pm in hour-long sessions.

Payment is online in advance or via credit/debit card and cash at the lake. Online bookings take precedence. Participants are asked to take into account that it is a 15 to 20 minute walk to the lake from the car park.

The opening two weeks are likely to be busy as rhododendron plants begin to bloom around the lake, so views will be at their most spectacular.

Prices per hour are €20 for a single kayak and €25 for a double. To book log onto www. bayloughkayaking.ie.