5 – Day Canoe Trip: Hay-on-Wye to Symonds Yat (69 miles)

Day 1: Hay-on Wye to Preston-on-Wye (17 miles)

This is the ideal “first expedition” on the Wye. You’ll start in Hay and settle into easy-going “Upper Wye” paddling, soon reaching Whitney-on-Wye before the scenery opens into wide countryside, gentle bends and no shortage of wildlife. 

Downstream you’ll pass Turners Boat Island, then enjoy a few small lively sections as you approach Bredwardine with its distinctive multi-arch bridge and pebble beach. 

Shortly after, you’ll glide beneath the red sandstone cliff of Brobury Scar, then pass Moccas Court estate on the right bank before arriving at Preston-on-Wye.

Day 2 Preston-on-Wye to Hereford (12 miles)

This day begins with the most “technical” moment of the upper sections: Monnington Falls, a short Grade 2 rapid that’s inspected and navigated carefully (we’ll brief you properly beforehand). After a lively start the river offers a beautiful scenic run with landmarks like Canon Bridge and the National Trust’s Weir Garden appearing around a bend, before you drift into historic Hereford. 

Day 3:  Hereford to Hoarwithy (16 Miles)

Leaving Hereford behind, you enter the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the river becomes quieter and more “valley-like”; meandering, wooded, and wildlife-rich. Highlights include a short diversion where the River Lugg joins the Wye, and the approach into Hoarwithy, known for its striking Italianate riverside church (“Stones of Venice on the banks of the Wye”).

 Day 4 — Hoarwithy to Ross-on-Wye (11 Miles)

A wonderfully remote-feeling section where wildlife thrives. You’ll pass under the Sellack suspension footbridge, drift by quiet stopping spots like Sellack Common, and later see the remains of Backney Railway Bridge. There are a few minor rapids and faster bits to keep things interesting before you arrive into Ross-on-Wye (take-out near the Hope & Anchor area).

Day 5 — Ross-on-Wye to Symonds Yat (13 Miles)

This is one of the most varied ‘classic’ canoeing days on the Wye. You’ll head out under the beautiful old stone Wilton Bridge, then enjoy a sequence of small rapids and waves. Later, Goodrich Castle appears high on the right bank, followed by the faster water around Kerne Bridge (we brief this carefully). Further on you’ll pass Lower Lydbrook, the riverside stretch by Welsh Bicknor, and then the river swings beneath the incredible Symonds Yat Rock, the Wye Valley’s most famous viewpoint.

Day 1:  Hay-on-Wye to Preston-on-Wye

1. Arrive at our Hay-on Wye site, with on-site free parking
2. Kit up & full safety briefing (paddling technique, steering, river awareness).
3. Launch from Hay and paddle downstream to Preston-on-Wye.
4. Camp overnight. (Preston Campsite or Byecross Farm Campsite) 

Day 2:  Bycross to Hereford

1. Paddle to Hereford Rowing Club. 
2. Camp overnight. (Hereford Rowing Club) 

Day 3:  Hereford to Hoarwithy

1. Paddle to Hoarwithy 
2. Camp overnight. (Tresseck Campsite)

Day 4:  Hoarwithy to Ross-on-Wye

Paddle to Ross-on-Wye

1. Camp overnight. (Ross rowing Club or White Lion) 

Day 5:  Ross-on-Wye to Symonds Yat

1. Paddle to Symonds Yat 
2. Return Transport to Hay-on-Wye 

• Canoe, paddles and buoyancy aids
• Dry barrel or dry bag storage for essentials
• Full Safety Briefing & Route Guidance & River Awareness at Whitney Bridge
• Meet and Finish support at Symonds Yat
• Return transport to Hay-on Wye
• Free on-site parking at our Hay site for duration of trip
• Bring your dog. Buoyancy aids and treats available
• Please note: Campsites for multi-day trips must be booked directly by you, and are not included in our service. See the Trip itinerary for recommended campsites!

• 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.

• Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, one simple set of dry clothes for camp
• Stove, high protein food & snacks suitable for riverside eating
• Warm layer for evenings + waterproof jacket + small towel
• Headtorch + power bank (for all gadgets, including phone)
• Small first-aid kit 
• Phone. You must have at least one mobile phone per boat.
• Spare clothes for the car

We’ll help you plan a sensible multi-day trip, based on water level, forecast, and your group’s pace. Your briefing includes safe river habits and how to manage your boat when loaded with kit, safe stopping, spacing, and what to do if you capsize.

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 if conditions suggest adjusting timings, and your briefing covers, paddling technique, spacing, avoiding hazards and what to do if you capsize.

We are always at the end of the phone for advice or in the unlikely event of an emergency situation.

• Make sure you arrive at least 20 minutes prior to your trip allotted time.
• Bring an extra layer – it can feel cooler on the water.
• Double-waterproof your essentials for multi-day trips (dry bag inside barrel).
• Keep phones/keys in a dry bag or barrel.
• Pace yourselves early so the afternoon stays relaxed.
• Keep your kit organised (day bag vs camp bag).
• Don’t forget to take water, especially in hot weather. Top up at all camp stops.
• Bring simple camping food that you can eat riverside easily.
• Have plenty of snacks. Keep them within easy reach. Paddling makes you hungry!
• Make sure you have What Three Words App on your phone.
• Pack light, it allows more room in the canoe and is lighter to paddle.
•  Keep one dry set of camp clothes.
• Aim for an early start from camp to enjoy a calmer evening.
• Look out for the Peregrine Falcons nesting in the cliffs at Symonds Yat

Not necessarily – as long as you’re comfortable outdoors and can manage basic kit.

It is best to. We can advise you on all options.

 Not necessarily – this route is great for all.

If you’re reasonably fit and happy outdoors then, yes, you’ll have a fantastic time!

Very doable at a sensible pace. Your pace is part of planning; we’ll help you make it comfortable.

Around 6-8 hours on the water daily.

Yes, there are basic facilities, but it is recommended that you take food for your overnight night stays as the opening times are limited.

Yes – we’ll take you back to Hay-on-Wye.

Yes – All four-legged friends are most welcome, but please bring a lead. Buoyancy aids are available. They must be well behaved and controlled at camp.

Yes – the multi-day trips follow the same itinerary and simply finish at an earlier stage.