River Wye Canoeing

20 Years Canoeing the Wye

Go to any other company on the Wye and they will likely have a menu of trips with stretches of the river divided into full day and half day river trips. We are different – we have been offering canoeing on the River Wye for a couple of decades, plus we are canoeists ourselves and believe time on the river isn’t one-size-fits-all. When you’re out on the River Wye canoeing time slows down… time to look at the rolling hills, mountains, fields and farmland. Time for wild-life spotting, picnics and sunbathing. Quality time with friends and family appreciating the great outdoors.

We share our local knowledge, useful information and passion with you so you get the best out of your time on the River Wye – we will offer a bespoke service working to your timings and requirements around these well-known routes and locations . . .

Upper Wye

 

Hay – Whitney – Estimated time – a few hours on the water

Hay to Whitney is a 5.25 mile paddle starting in the picturesque town of Hay-on-Wye. “Hay”, often described as “the town of books”, is home to the famous literary festival. The Hay-Whitney paddle is a diverse and exciting stretch with an abundance of kingfishers, otters, sand martins, herons and leaping salmon. If you’re going to canoe the Wye, there’s no better a place to start!

For canoe hire in Hay-on-Wye, call us on 01497 820604

 

Glasbury – Whitney Estimated time – one comfortable day, approximately 5 hours on the water

 

Starting from the highest navigable point the river flows toward the picturesque town of Hay and want to canoe? HQ, marking the halfway point in your trip and an ideal place to pause, relax and have a bite to eat. After lunch the river meanders through idyllic countryside before finishing at a lovely pub, ‘The Boat Inn’, where you can indulge in some well-earned refreshment.

This route is a great trip but not one we offer as an entirely unaccompanied option because the stretch is a touch more challenging – we do offer this route as part of a Guided/Hire mixture day at weekends, every day during school holidays or by arrangement on other off-peak days – a really popular option with families, couples and groups.  Join the morning guided group from Glasbury to Hay then continue from Hay down to Whitney in the afternoon at your own pace – the best of both worlds in one trip.  Your halfway point is back at base so once you’ve said thanks and bye to your instructor you can pop into Hay to a nice cafe or pub for lunch OR bring a picnic and have a bite to eat on our lovely peaceful riverbank. We can make you teas/coffees, you could even have a little BBQ if the weather is on your side!

Guided Adventure Sessions 

Having our team as your Guides gives you the benefit of being able to learn basic canoe-skills, play games and make the most out of the new skills you’ve learnt, also take in the scenery and wildlife more easily as you have a guide showing you what to look out for and you are not simply concentrating on keeping the canoe in a straight line as you’ve got some basic technique from the outset!

If you’ve canoed before they can also help you expand upon and work on technique, they adapt easily to the needs of the group. The instructors paddle their own canoes so they can wizz about amongst the group, you then choose the boat format that suits your group on the day (we have tandem, three-man and rafted options).  These sessions are the equivalent of British Canoeing Paddlesport Start Qualification so anyone 16 or under receives a certificate at the end of the trip!

For more information on Glasbury canoeing, call us on 01497 820604.

 

Hay – Byecross – Estimated time – a long, full day, approximately 7 hours on the water

Leaving the ‘Town of Books’, the river gently winds through tranquil countryside, through stretches of river renowned for large catches of trout and salmon which, late in the year, can be seen leaping. Kingfishers, otters and herons are spotted regularly on this section finishing just beyond the picturesque bridge at Bredwardine at one of the best campsites in the uk – Byecross Farm.

To get more information about Hay-on-Wye canoeing, call us on 01497 820604.

 

 

Middle Wye

 

Hay – Byecross – Hereford Estimated time – two days

Beginning your journey at Hay (known as “the town of books”), the river flows into idyllic Herefordshire countryside. This canoe trip boasts amazing scenery as you pass pretty bridges, numerous orchards and grand estates, looking out for the extensive wildlife. You will pass the National Trust Weir Garden before finishing in Hereford.

For canoe hire in Hereford, call us today on 01497 820604.

 

Hay – Byecross – Holme Lacy – Ross Estimated time – three days

What better place to start your canoeing of the Wye than the highest navigable point of the river? You’ll then flow through picturesque Herefordshire countryside with all its wildlife and idyllic surroundings. This trip boasts amazing scenery as you pass beautiful bridges, countless orchards and grand Herefordshire estates. You will the pass through Hereford before re-emerging into the countryside, finally making your way to the market town of Ross-on-Wye.

For Hay to Ross-on-Wye canoe hire, call us today on 01497 820604.