Jill's Folly, Middle Duddon

Image: © Andy Waddington Taken: 14 Dec 2003

Jill's Folly is the first grade IV- rapid on the Middle section of the River Duddon. A sharp right bend (land either side to inspect) has a slow-moving pool before a shallow rapid gives onto a sharp left bend with an obstructed exit. River right are overhanging branches blocking access to a small eddy whose exit is awkward at low levels. The main drop is obstructed by the large rock seen just in front of Clive Hall on this Swaledale Outdoor Club trip. In high levels one tends to hit it and be capsized to its right. In lower levels the aim is to hit the drop to its right (some pinning potential) with enough speed not to get stopped by the hole, and in very low levels, it's just a matter of getting through whatever gap is left without getting hung up or smacking one's left elbow into the rock. The pool below offers a short calm in which to pick up any casualties before the continuing grade 2 rapid. As the river runs to the south, this is quite a photogenic spot on a sunny day.

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