Many inland waters can be used for winter training (ref. 3). Below are some information on the Cheshire part of the river Dee and other suggestions.
The Cheshire Bye Laws provide a right of navigation up to Stocklash Green. The river is easily paddled from this point but the highest practical embark is from Farndon. The table below list the access options. (rR-River Right, rL River Left, distances approximately from Chester Weir )
| GR412545 | Farndon | 12.1ml | rR | Carpark and Restaurant just upstream of bridge. River access down the bank can be tricky but possible with a sea kayak. |
| GR414623 | Eccleston Ferry | 3.6ml | rL | Car park through village. A nice quiet location with easy access to the river. |
| GR420660 | Sandy Lane | 1ml | rR | Car park and good access. Car park charges, passenger ferry and motor boats in summer. |
| GR408658 | Chester Groves | rR | 2Hr parking, very busy outside winter, peddle and show boats in summer. | |
| GR367657 | Saltney Ferry | 3.5ml | rL | Lay bye on bend in road, old ferry steps steep but OK, bore egress point, otherwise boring (pun not intended) |
| GR321686 | Queensferry Bridge | 7ml | rL | A track between houses down stream of old bridge leads to an abandoned boat field. Remains of ancient wooden quay, parking OK but access to river over soft slime at anything but high water. |
Egress for lunch is not easy, try the confluence of the Alun (GR399561) or Aldford Brook (GR419602).
Beware that if the river is in spate then a spring tide can burst the banks. I am not the only paddler to have lost the river course in such circumstances.
Between Chester and Eccleston Ferry, even beyond, the rowers and canoe club racers train most early evening throughout the winter. Flashing cycle lights are recommend when dark.
DEE Bore
On a 9.7m tide or better then with appropriate weather conditions a Bore will run from Queensferry Bridge (-2hr ~-1.5hr HWLB) to the end of the canal (-1.25 ~ 10.75hr HWLB). I have seen a Sea Kayak surf this distance. Paddle backwards over the first wave and surf the second. The river is not very deep and the bow may hit the river bottom if you try and surf the first wave in a long kayak. Plastic kayaks and canoes are best on the first wave. An alternative to egress at Saltney Ferry is to ride the flood all the way to Chester (about 30 mins from the bridge), over the weir and on to Sandy Lane. River racers will paddle down stream from this point and meet the bore to avoid the car shuttle. 
Swellies(Menai Strait)
The Swellies remains surprisingly sheltered from most winds and is always interesting on any spring tide. If you are happy kayaking on river grade 2/3 and do not suffer from agoraphobia then the Swellies do not present the difficult navigation required for larger vessels but do consult a good guide (ref. 1) and do take a friend who has been before.
Lake Windermere
Lake Windermere is one of the most easily accessible lakes in Cumbria. The National Trust provide a car park with good access to the lake from Fell Foot (GR 380870). Charges £4.00 per day, take coins or a member, £9.00 per boat if you wish to avoid a 100m portage and use the ramp. Many posibilities for a paddle including an overnight stop at either the Low Wray campsite or the Youth Hostel.
National Trust Low Wray Campsite, GR372019, in trees, look for red life belt on pole (phone 01539 432810). No Pub, limited shop in wardens office.
Ambleside Youth Hostel, GR376031, large former hotel, ramp and Landing Stage in grounds, easy to find from lake (phone 015394 32582).
For other Windermere options, phone the tourist information on 015394 42895.
OCT.98