April 2012
A fallen tree has almost totally blocked a small fishing weir. This is located some 300 m below the A77 & Riverside Inn, where most people get onto the river, just round the first bend, and necessitates a portage on the right hand bank. The tree is potentially dangerous.
January 2012
The first hazard is a massive tree lying across the whole river, approximately 200 metres below the big hotel on river right. There was barely a 2 foot gap at the extreme right bank to manouvere past, but this could very easily be blocked by anything floating down. At higher faster levels this could be bad news.
The second is at the last drop before the get out. A tree is lying from the left to centre as the drop starts. It is passable by entering to the right of centre, but its then best to move into the middle line again as soon as you can.
Update June 2011
Thanks to the Ayrshire Rivers Trust and local landowners the dangerous section of the Doonholm weir has now been demolished, so the danger of getting pinned in the hole in the weir has been removed. Paddlers are still advised to take particular care to avoid any remaining debris and inspect the weir until its flow characteristics are understood.
8 May 2011 - Collapsed Weir - Update
Very recently the first weir below Auchedrane has collapsed and now the flow of the river is going under the remains of the weir as can be seen in the photo. The weir is located at Doonholm, approximately 500 m upstream of Alloway Mill and 800 m upstream of the old Brig o' Doon. The weir was breached when the centre collapsed and now the entire flow is passing under the concrete face of the weir giving a very serious risk of entrapment. The owner of this old weir is unknown but local landowners are being very helpful and cooperative. It is hoped that a section of concrete can be removed to create an open channel but in the meantime it is essential that all paddlers exit the river on the left well above the breach. Portage is simple and in most water conditions boats can be carried down the weir itself.
Access to the river. We are very fortunate that the owner of the Riverside Inn allows us to use his car-park and cross his land. However, a minority of paddlers have abused this situation by climbing gates, leaving gates open, attempting to use the Inn facilities, or discourtesy to hotel staff. Please ensure that you carefully place boats over the gate, then walk round using the green stile. Close all gates and keep away from any horses in the field. The owner of the Inn would appreciate some custom in return for use of the car park, so please try to call in for 20 mins before or after paddling (no damp canoeing gear please!) for a coffee & scone.