Quick Details
Two-Seater
Min. 2 people • Ages 12+
£ 73.50
Three-Seater
Min. 2 people • Ages 5+
£ 110.25
Family Raft for 4 people
Ages 5+
£ 147
Family Raft for 6 people
Ages 5+
£ 220.50
Prices include all taxes and fees
What the route offers
Our Half-day trip (2-3hrs) is a stunning 5 mile paddle, starting in the picturesque town of Hay-on-Wye.
Often described as “the town of books”, Hay is home to the famous literary festival. The Hay to Whitney paddle offers a diverse and exciting stretch of the River Wye.
Once on the water, you can expect to see wide open countryside with wooded bends in the river offering spectacular views of the wildlife in their natural habitats, including kingfishers, herons, cormorants, swans, otters and salmon – all from the prime viewpoint of your canoe.
Your 5 mile adventure finishes at the historic, wooden Whitney Toll Bridge. There is a beautiful riverside cafe/restaurant that we certainly recommend popping in for a drink or lunch, prior to us returning you back to our site in Hay.
Quirky Fun Fact: In places during your trip, the England–Wales border runs right down the middle of the River Wye, so it’s entirely possible for one paddle to be in England and the other in Wales as you glide downstream!
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- Arrive at our Hay-on-Wye HQ, with on-site free parking.
- Kit out & full safety briefing (paddling basics, steering, river awareness).
- Launch from Hay and paddle downstream to Whitney Bridge at your own pace.
- Finish at Whitney — we’ll be waiting to take you straight back to our site in Hay or you can enjoy a drink and refreshments at Casa Bianca at our Whitney base and then we’ll transport you back to our Hay site when you’re ready.
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- Canoe, paddles and buoyancy aids
- Dry barrel or dry bag storage for essentials
- Full Safety Briefing + Route Guidance + River Awareness
- Meet and finish support at Whitney Bridge
- Return transport to Hay-on-Wye (immediate or after refreshments at Casa Bianca)
- Free on-site parking all day (you are welcome to leave your car and explore Hay-on-Wye when you finish your trip)
- Bring your dog. Buoyancy aids and treats available.
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- Quick-drying clothes. Avoid heavy jeans.
- Weather appropriate clothes. Bring an extra layer. Waterproof jacket.
- Trainers or water shoes you don’t mind getting wet. Do not wear slip-on shoes.
- Hat or cap in sunny conditions. Sunglasses.
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- Water and snacks
- Sun protection in warmer months
- Optional: dry bag for phone/camera
- Towel and spare clothes for the car
- Prescribed EpiPen / Medication / Anti-Histamine
- Phone. You must have at least one mobile phone per boat.
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The Wye is generally a friendly river, but it’s still a natural environment. Conditions vary with rainfall, wind and water level. We’ll always advise clearly on the day, and your briefing covers paddling technique, spacing, avoiding hazards, and what to do if you capsize.
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- Start earlier for a quieter river.
- Make sure you arrive at least 10 minutes prior to your trip allotted time.
- Bring an extra layer – it can feel cooler on the water.
- Keep phones/keys in a dry bag or barrel.
- Take your time – stops are part of the experience.
- Don’t forget to bring water, especially in hot weather.
- Make sure you have What Three Words App on your phone.
FAQ
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Most groups take 2–3 hours on the water.
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No — this route is ideal for beginners, but equally enjoyable for experienced paddlers.
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Not at all — it’s optional.
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Yes — we’ll return you to Hay (straight away or after your stop).
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Yes – All four-legged friends are most welcome, but please bring a lead. Buoyancy aids are available.