Abuls, Latvia

The Abuls is the left bank tributary of the Gauja River. It is possible to paddle along the river during the entire season from Kaģu bridge in Trikāta.
The river suitable for one-day paddling in active regime or two-day paddling with resting periods
In the surrounding of Smiltene in banks of the Abuls are arranged resting places and can be seen interesting historical and contemporary objects. It can be done on foot or by bicycle. Paddling is possible in the lakes of Smiltene surrounding.
Paddling along the Abuls can be started also from Lisa, Lisa through lakes of Trikāta outskirts and further down to the Abuls up to the Gauja River.
Imagine office conversations on Monday noon, when your colleagues share their holiday adventures “..how we rafted down the Gauja ..”, “..and we canoed along the Salaca” and something like that, but you are a little bit mysteriously saying: “Me and my wife and the small ones had a paddling along Lisa from Dutka to Brenguļi. Was really super!” Genuine interest is guaranteed!
The route begins at the local road bridge near Dutka village. The Lisa here is only a narrow stream through the reeds, which after half a kilometre flows into the lake. Further 3.5 km goes along Dutka, Panna and Church lakes. Among the lakes are short culverts overgrown with reeds.
This is beautiful and peaceful start of the route.
At the end of the Church Lake is clearly visible continuation of the Lisa and already after 230 meters the Lisas flows into the Abuls. The Abuls is bigger river with a steady stream what stops in the centre of Trikāta near the bridge where flush of mill dam is starting.
Behind the mill there starts a strong water movement and the next section in length of 12.3 km up to Brenguļi it has a good and steady stream.
At Brenguļi mill and the brewery, on the right bank of picturesque flush is an extensive camp site with a variety of attractions for children, good sunbathing opportunities for wives and Brenguļi beer tasting options for husbands. Sometimes the paddling along the Abuls ends here, but the next and the last 5.5 kilometres up to the Gauja River also are really worth for paddling! Behind the railway bridge the Abuls winds in the majestic fir and pine forest, banks are up to 10 m high. This is the most beautiful section of the Abuls. It is possible to finish the route exactly at the Gauja or to continue the trip down the Gauja up to Valmiera.