Quick Details
Two-Seater
Min. 2 people • Ages 12+
£ 210
Three-Seater
Min. 2 people • Ages 5+
£ 315
Prices include all taxes and fees
A Two-Day Canoeing Adventure Along the River Wye
This is the ideal “first expedition” on the Wye: long enough to feel like a real journey, but still relaxed and manageable. You’ll start in the bookish charm of Hay and spend two days settling into the river’s rhythm and wildlife in a backdrop of stunning countryside.
The trip would go as follows:
- Day 1: (9.00am briefing)
Long full day from Hay to Bycross (17 miles) – Camping at Preston campsite or Bycross farm campsite - Day 2: Full day from Bycross to Hereford (12 miles) – Pickup at Hereford Rowing Club
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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.
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Day 1 – Hay-on-Wye to Preston-on-Wye
- Arrive at our Hay-on Wye site, with on-site free parking
- Kit up & full safety briefing (paddling technique, steering, river awareness).
- Launch from Hay and paddle downstream to Preston-on-Wye.
- Camp overnight. (Preston Campsite or Bycross Farm Campsite)
Day 2 – Preston-on-Wye to Hereford
- Paddle to Hereford, where we meet you
- Return Transport back to Hay-on-Wye.
Good to know:
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- 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 Hereford
- 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!
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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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- Tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, one simple set of dry clothes
- Stove, 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
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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, 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.
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- 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.
- Pace yourselves early so the afternoon stays relaxed.
- Don’t forget to bring water, especially in hot weather.
- Bring simple picnic 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.
- Bring a towel if you plan to take a dip
- Pack light, it allows more room in the canoe and is lighter to paddle.
- Keep one dry set of camp clothes.
FAQ
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Not necessarily – as long as you’re comfortable outdoors and can manage basic kit.
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No – this route is great for beginners.
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If you’re reasonably active and happy outdoors then, yes, you’ll have a fantastic time!
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Very doable at a sensible pace.
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First day is around 6 hours paddling. The second day is approx. 4.5 hours.
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Yes, there is a café, but it is recommended that you take food for the night as the opening times are limited.
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Yes – we’ll take you back to Hay-on-Wye.
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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.