Crossing rivers in spate is dangerous - people have been killed in Scotland doing that. there is a lot of stuff on this in Ray's books and elsewhere.
However, a more common situation in Scotland is that you want to cross a burn/small river that is only about knee deep, not particularly fast, but there are no bridges/stepping stones.
How do you do it? I usually remove boots and socks, roll up trousers, put boots back on, wade across, empty out boots and put socks and boots back on. You still end up with wet socks though. I think this is preferable to wading barefoot, however.
Any better ideas? Would goretex socks be a good option? How good are Yeti gaiters- could you wade a foot of water in them and stay dry? How about Pole vaulting?
However, a more common situation in Scotland is that you want to cross a burn/small river that is only about knee deep, not particularly fast, but there are no bridges/stepping stones.
How do you do it? I usually remove boots and socks, roll up trousers, put boots back on, wade across, empty out boots and put socks and boots back on. You still end up with wet socks though. I think this is preferable to wading barefoot, however.
Any better ideas? Would goretex socks be a good option? How good are Yeti gaiters- could you wade a foot of water in them and stay dry? How about Pole vaulting?