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Ross-on-Wye

The small (but perfectly formed) market town of Ross-on-Wye is a perfect spot from where to start your River Wye canoeing adventure. 

Ross-on-Wye promotes itself as “the birthplace of British tourism”. In 1745, the rector, Dr John Egerton, started taking friends on boat trips down the valley from his rectory at Ross. The Wye Valley’s attraction was its river scenery, its precipitous landscapes, and its castles and abbeys, which were accessible to seekers of the “Picturesque”. In 1782, William Gilpin’s book “Observations on the River Wye” was published, the first illustrated tour guide to be published in Britain. Once it was published, demand grew so much that by 1808 there were eight boats making regular excursions down the Wye, most of them hired from inns in Ross and Monmouth. By 1850 more than 20 visitors had published their own accounts of the Wye Tour, and the area was established as a tourist area.

We are want to canoe?, a family-run business operating out of nearby Hay-on-Wye. We are the number one choice for River Wye canoe hire and are fully-equipped to set you and your family or friends up with all you need to fully explore the Wye Valley in the most memorable way.

Below you’ll find all of our Ross-on-Wye canoe hire trips (and what you can expect along the way) along with information about where to stay if you’re on a multiple-day excursion. We will provide you with everything you need (except for sandwiches and cake). Any questions? Just give us a call – we’re a veritable fountain of useful local info:

ross-on-wye – kerne bridge | estimated time: half a day

Canoeing Ross-on-Wye means you get to paddle along one of the most popular sections of the river towards Kerne Bridge. With the historic market town of Ross on Wye as a backdrop, the river will take you towards  […] Read more

ross-on-wye – welsh bicknor | estimated time: one day

If you were thinking to canoe ross-on-Wye, this is a simply lovely stretch of river travelling between the bustling market town of Ross and Welsh Bicknor, a picturesque section of the Forest of Dean on the  […] Read more

ross – symonds yat – monmouth | estimated time: two days

Leaving the pretty market town of Ross, this trip will see you paddling down into the lush gorges of the Forest of Dean. You’ll pass through magnificent limestone cliffs which give home to peregrine falcons  […] Read more

We have helped hundreds of happy customers create amazing memories for themselves as they paddle through miles of unspoilt countryside, beautiful orchards, quirky little towns and historic villages. As the Wye’s premier left bank canoe hire centre, want to canoe? have forged an enviable reputation for providing truly memorable experiences to people of all ages and fitness levels. Have a browse round the website, then give us a call with any questions – we’re here to help!

Have a look at our full range of route itineraries here.

Want to Canoe?
Wye River
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Want to Canoe?