The River Wye Paddle - Guide

The River

Wye Paddle

Guide

The River Wye (Afon Gwy in Welsh) is 251km long,

making it one of the longest rivers in Britain. It

winds its way from the Welsh Cambrian mountains

to join the River Severn at Chepstow. For much of

its length it cleaves a gentle split between England

and Wales. Journeying along the Wye takes you past

Neolithic cave dwellings, Iron Age forts and Roman

selements, whilst taking in the peaceful pace of

modern life in this area.

The Wye is one of the nest lowland landscapes in

Britain, with plant and animal life of internaonal

importance. On the river you may see kingshers,

oers and salmon. In the Forest of Dean wild boar

and deer roam freely. The whole length of the river is

designated as a Site of Special Scienc Interest and

Special Area of Conservaon, from Hereford onwards

you enter The Wye Valley Area of Outstanding

Natural Beauty.

Close to its source, the river is characterised by sll,

shallow, gravelly stretches mixed with rocky cascades.

The river is narrow and fast owing through the high

hills towards Hay-on-Wye.

From Hay to Whitney, the Wye ows between the

Black Mountains and the Radnorshire Hills. Here

the river is generally shallow, with minor rapids and

several long pools.

From Whitney to Hereford, the character of the river

changes as it meanders through a broad oodplain.

Below Bredwardine, the channel narrows before

entering a wide valley with high banks upstream of

Ross-on-Wye. From here, the river enters perhaps

the most dramac secon, with spectacular views

and deep wooded gorges down to Chepstow where it

enters the Severn Estuary.

Builth Wells in Wales is a parcularly beauful stretch

of the Wye. Some of the most spectacular scenery

occurs where the river’s tributaries fall into the river.

The Wye is not only a great place to paddle, along

your route you’ll meet rowers, swimmers, walkers

and anglers. Enjoy sharing the space together as you

journey through this amazing landscape.

Introduction

The River Wye Navigation

Wildlife on the Wye

The Paddlers Code

Safety

The Trails

Trail 1

- Glasbury to Byecross

Trail 2

- Byecross to Hereford

Trail 3

- Hereford to Hoarwithy

Trail 4

- Hoarwithy to Ross on Wye

Trail 5

- Ross on Wye to Symonds Yat

Trail 6

- Symonds Yat to Redbrook

Trail 7 - Redbrook to Chepstow

BC licences and membership

British Canoeing Wye Paddle Guide2

In the past the Wye was an important commercial

waterway but the infrastructure that supports this,

such as locks and weirs, has long since been removed.

Today, boang on the river is mostly paddlesport and

rowing, but some sightseeing boats operate around

Symonds Yat.

The Environment Agency is the navigaon authority for

the public right of navigaon area from Bigsweir Bridge

upstream to Hay Town Bridge on the main River Wye,

and on the River Lugg between its conuence with the

Wye and Presteigne Town Bridge.

The Gloucester Harbour Trustees are the navigaon

authority for the dal secon of the River Wye

downstream of Bigsweir Bridge.

It is important to note that the public right of

navigaon on the River Wye does not give a right of

access to the riverbank and other than at accepted

public sites, you must access the water either at a

designated public launch, or get permission from

the landowner before launching and landing cra.

Paddlepoints is a great source of informaon for

public access points. Please visit: gopaddling.info/

paddlepoints

Permission is also needed to camp or picnic on the

banks or neighbouring elds.

For further informaon visit www.gov.uk and search

for Wye Navigaon.

Public toilets are available at:

A. Glasbury

SO1784839252 | amounting.intestine.guises

B. Hay-on-Wye

SO2290642432 | gravitate.snipe.origins

C. Ross-on-Wye

SO5961024069 | pose.contemplate.dragony

D. Lydbrook

SO5958816873 | riskiest.sunset.develop

E. Symonds Yat East

SO5608616010 | visitors.probe.thighs

F. Monmouth

SO5121613080 | disputes.ghosts.sheds

White water paddling is enjoyed on parts of the upper

river catchment. The rapids at Symonds Yat are a

naonally important paddling site and are owned and

managed by Brish Canoeing.

Above Hay on Wye, paddling on the upper reaches is

considered best in autumn and winter months when

the river levels tend to be higher. The upper reaches

also contain fragile spawning grounds for salmon and

seatrout. It is important to not paddle when the river

levels are too low, to avoid causing any harm to the

natural environment by disturbing the gravels.

Navigation Rules

Ensure to keep to the right where possible and take

care around bridges and other infrastructure where

visibility can be impaired. Powered boats have the

right of way over unpowered cra. Give other river

users as much space as possible.

Hire & Guided trips

There are a number of commercial hire rms and

adventure holiday companies based on the Wye,

oering canoe and kayak trips.

If you choose a Brish Canoeing Delivery Partner

you will know they have agreed to a Delivery Partner

Charter, which requires high standards of safety, value

for money, sustainability and customer service. When

searching for a paddling experience on the Go Paddling

website, look out for the Delivery Partner Logo/Icon.

Head to the Go Paddling website to nd a hire

or holiday provider who’s the perfect t for you:

gopaddling.info/paddling-equipment-hire-

nder/

The River Wye Navigation

British Canoeing Wye Paddle Guide

Wildlife on the Wye

The River Wye is a Site of Special Scienc Interest

(SSSI) and Special Area of Conservaon (SAC), with the

lower river from Mordiford to Chepstow also classed

as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Part

of the joy of your journey can be found in spong the

wonderful ora and fauna along the route.

Can you spot an oer? They’re prey shy creatures but

they are known to live all along the Wye. Look for large

ripples on the surface of the water, lots of bubbles and

a 3 to 4 foot-long, dark, sleek animal with a long thick

tail. An excing animal to catch a glimpse of. Take care

not to disturb dense vegetaon, tree roots or rocky

cavies that might harbour oer when geng on or

o the river.

Snap! White clawed craysh are the UK’s only nave

freshwater craysh and the River Wye system is the

best site known in Wales for them. They can grow to

about 10cm long and with a brown body and ve pairs

of legs they look a bit like lobsters. In order for their

existence not to be harmed by non-nave species or

fungal plague it’s important to ensure all equipment

is cleaned and dried thoroughly before you use it in

dierent rivers.

Water-crowfoot might sound like a character from

Harry Poer but it’s actually an important part of

the habitat that helps give the Wye its SAC status. A

member of the buercup family, this plant is a great

oxygenator which forms extensive mats and produces

owers, adding to the beauty of the river. It’s illegal

to remove water-crowfoot without consent. If you

experience problems navigang as a result of extensive

growth of the plant contact the Environment Agency

for advice.

If you’re lucky you might spot Salmon leaping on your

trip as the River Wye is a very important habitat for

Atlanc salmon. It’s essenal not to disturb or damage

gravel beds which are being used for spawning.

Migraon of salmon generally occurs between October

and January, with spawning happening late winter.

Eggs are buried in the gravel, with fry emerging in May.

River And Weather Conditions

Know the weather forecast before you set out and be

prepared for this to change; somemes quickly and

without warning. If you are unsure of your ability to

deal with the weather condions, leave the trip for

another day.

River levels can change rapidly on the Wye due to

rainfall across a large catchment area. You will need to

be aware and take account of changing water levels in

and immediately aer heavy rainfall. The river should

not be paddled in ood condions unless you are a

very experienced paddler.

If you are hiring a boat, the hire company can advise

you on condions and safety.

River levels can be checked and viewed at

www.riverlevels.uk or check-for-flooding.

service.gov.uk.

Rapids And Natural Weirs

It is essenal to inspect these river features before

travelling down them. Look out for boulders/rocks that

might be in the river and plan a route down the river

which avoids these. Pick a clean route down the rapid

by looking for secons of water that are sll green

coloured (these may oen form a V shape). If in any

doubt just get out and walk around the rapid from

the bank.

We do not recommend that those using stand up

paddleboards paddle weirs. If paddling rapids then you

must be suitably experienced and wear the appro-

priate equipment, including a releasable waist leash,

white water helmet etc. If you are not experienced

in reading and paddling these kinds of waters do not

aempt to go down them.

If you do capsize in a rapid try to stay out of the way of

your canoe or kayak. Get on your back and oat, with

your feet on the surface and facing downstream, unl

you reach the end of the rapid and are able to swim to

the shore.

Rapid spots tend to be busy and popular secons so

always keep an eye out for other river users to avoid

collisions as you paddle through.

British Canoeing Wye Paddle Guide4

Unpack equipment and

change in a discreet and

considerate way.

Avoid climbing over and

damaging fences and

walls.

Give other users space,

avoid lingering and

causing a disturbance.

Pass others on the right

hand side.

Be friendly, be welcoming

and respectful of those

you meet along the way.

Be nice, say hello and

share the space!

Be kind to nature and

wildlife. Be aware of

breeding and nesting

seasons. Minimise noise

and keep a distance.

Avoid gravel beds

in rivers. Disturbing

spawning grounds for sh

and other species can be

considered a criminal act.

Banks can be sensitive

to erosion or home to

vulnerable species. Try to

avoid them by sticking to

established paths.

Avoid dragging or sliding

craft on the bankside.

Try to oat your craft for

launching and landing.

Always check, clean,

& dry your kit after

each trip. This is key to

helping stop the spread

of invasive, non-native

species.

Be prepared! Always wear

a buoyancy aid and carry

a means of contacting the

emergency services on

your person.

Check you have the

appropriate leash for the

environment if paddling

SUP. Or your craft/

equipment before each

trip.

Plan your adventure!

The weather can change

rapidly due to rain, wind

or tide. Check river levels

and avoid oshore winds.

Ensure you are equipped

for the trip and that it is

within the capabilities of

you and your group.

Look out for bacteria,

viruses or toxic algae.

Don’t enter water

that looks or smells

bad. Report to the

Environment Agency.

Be aware of potential

hazards such as weirs,

overhanging trees and

tidal waters. Look out for

warning signs.

Leave no trace, take only

photographs and leave

only ripples.

If you need to drive, team

up with others to reduce

pollution and congestion

on roads.

Park respectfully, do

not cause obstructions

or damage the local

area. Leave space for

emergency vehicles.

Keep group sizes small

and discreet where

possible.

Having the correct

waterways licence helps

to preserve our precious

rivers and canals

British Canoeing Wye Paddle Guide

• Always wear a buoyancy aid or personal oataon device

• Ensure you wear the correct leash when stand up paddleboarding

• Have the right equipment & clothing for the condions

• Plan your trip within your capabilies

• Check weather, des, water levels and hazards. At the

coast avoid paddling if there is an oshore wind

• Carry a means of communicaon about your person

• Paddle together and inform others of your plans

• In an emergency call 999. if you are at the coast ask for the

coastguard. If you are inland ask for the re & rescue service.

SUP Leashes

Wearing a leash is highly recommended for safety. Depending on

where you’re paddling and the condions you face, you might need

to wear a leash in a dierent posion for safety and security.

Paddle Safety

Calf/Ankle leash

For use on lakes/canals/sea/

coastal bays/surf where there is

NO risk of snag or entrapment

COILED - General SUP

STRAIGHT - Surf

Coiled or straight?

leashes can be coiled/

curly or straight/ The

types of leash is important

depending on the

environment you paddle.

Quick release belt system

For use on any moving or owing

water where there is a risk of

snag/entrapment

COILED

scan me!

We’d recommend

developing your paddling

skills and knowledge by

aending a course with a

Brish Canoeing Delivery

Partner or a Brish

Canoeing Aliate Club.

Quality Assured: Look out

for Brish Canoeing Delivery

Partners they are naonally

recognised for high quality.

Safe and value experiences

British Canoeing Wye Paddle Guide6

Start above Glasbury Bridge, in an area surrounded by spectacular hills and mountains.

Pass through Hay-on-Wye, renowned for its bookshops and literary festival, taking in small

rapids and calm waters as you go. Continue to Whitney-on-Wye with its 18th century toll

bridge, built under Prime Minister Pitt the Younger.

Glasbury to

Byecross

23 miles

6 - 7 hours

Glasbury Bridge, Glasbury. HR3 5NP

Byecross Farm Campsite, Preston-on-Wye, HR2 9LJ

Explorer 201 Knighton and Presteigne

Distance:

Time:

Start:

Finish:

OS Map:

Launch from Upper Glas-y-Bont Common (beach

get in), just above Glasbury Bridge and turn le.

Over the rst miles there are many small

rapids, some of which are shallow, so please

sck to the deeper water where possible.

Aer about 4.5 miles, just above Hay-on-Wye, come

across The Warren as you round a right hand bend

in the river. This is a natural small weir which you

normally pass through on the right. In low water it

can be a bit rocky and worth an inspecon before

shoong. Hay-on-Wye is reached aer 5 miles.

This picturesque border town started life as

a coaching route. The world famous Hay

Literary Fesval takes place annually,

aracng visitors from all over the world.

Well worth a visit, the town can be accessed

by landing on the purpose-built slipway on

the right hand bank about 50m below Hay

Bridge. Immediately below the landing place,

beware of iron stakes in the river bed on the

right, where Dulas Brook joins the river.

At 8 miles you’ll see the remains of Cliord

Castle on the right. Formerly an important

border castle. Do not launch/land on Cliord

Common as it’s a sensive wildlife site.

Rhydspence, at 9 miles, is the border between

Wales and England. The old inn on the main

road is the ‘rst house’ in England.

Connue on for a few more miles, arriving

at Whitney Toll Bridge at 10 miles. The toll

bridge was built in 1774 and is one of the

few private bridges le in the country.

Now the Boat Inn comes into sight aer the

toll bridge. Please speak to the owners before

landing and launching from the Boat Inn.

NOTE: All paddlers wishing to launch from Glasbury Bont should make themselves aware of any seasonal restricons or launching mes

that may be in place to protect sensive species in this secon of river - wyeuskfoundation.org/

The

Boat Inn

A438

Digeddi

Widlife

Campsite

B4351

A438

Racquety

Farm

Gypsy Castle

Camping

Whitney Bridge

Campsite

PLEASE NOTE:

Launching from Glasbury Bont Common has currently

been suspended by Powys County Council unl a

Habitat Regulaons Assessment has been completed.

New guidelines for launching at this locaon are to be

released soon. Please see Canoe Wales/Brish Canoeing

website for latest update.

British Canoeing Wye Paddle Guide

Heading downstream from Whitney-

on-Wye the river meanders through

the countryside set against the Welsh

mountains. There are some shallows which

may not be deep enough to paddle.

5 miles aer Whitney, pass on the le of

Turners Boat Island. Beyond this there are

a series of small rapids that take you the 4

miles down to the village of Bredwardine,

with its impressive 6 arch bridge.

Pass The Scar at Brobury, a high sandstone

cli on the le. Look out for several large

boulders in the river bed here. A short

paddle further brings you past Moccas

Court on the right bank. This Georgian

mansion was built in 1783 and its grounds

were landscaped by Capability Brown.

3.5 miles later you reach Byecross. Access

is at Byecross Farm Campsite, which has

good facilies. Steps and a ramp lead

from the water on the right hand bank

at the entrance to the campsite.

Glasbury to Byecross

Continued...

The

Boat Inn

Byecross Farm

Campsite

Locksters

Pool

Campsite

For a shorter

paddle why

not start from

Hay-on-Wye!

British Canoeing Wye Paddle Guide8

From the countryside to the city, this trail includes rapids from the start,

peaceful stretches and National Trust gardens as the river sweeps down into

the historic city of Hereford.

Byecross

to Hereford

12 miles

3 - 6 hours

Byecross Farm Campsite, Preston-on-Wye, HR2 9LJ

Steps underneath the A49 Greyfriars Bridge,

Hereford, HR2 7RE

Explorer 201 Knighton and Presteigne & 189

Hereford and Ross-on-Wye

Distance:

Time:

Start:

Finish:

OS Map:

The

Weir

Garden

Byecross Farm

Campsite

Preston

Campsite

A49

Pung in from Byecross Campsite, turn right and

immediately come to the Grade 2 rapids of Monnington

Falls. This is a rapid that requires inspecon and careful

navigaon. The rapid runs alongside an island located aer

a steep 180 degree le hand bend in the river. At low and

medium water levels the rapid can be shot to the le of the

island. Inspecon for obstrucons and route nding can be

undertaken by landing on the beach on the le hand bank

and walking down to the rapid via the river. In low water you

can stop on the right bank and walk across to the island to

inspect the le channel. Plot your route through the rocks

and watch out for the boils, parcularly down the deep

channel in low water.

There are occasional small rapids at points on the

way to Hereford but nothing more that needs

inspecon. The river is quiet and peaceful.

At Byford there is a landing on the le bank, 200m

below the pumping staon, in front of a black and

white coage. This area is the site of an old ford and

there is access from the road down a narrow lane, with

no permission required. However, there is no parking

here and the landing can become overgrown.

There are weedy shallows now unl you pass the ny village

of Bridge Sollers at just over 3 miles, with its 12th Century,

Grade 2 listed church. Aer passing another small village,

Canon Bridge, on your right at ve miles, round a bend in the

river and see the Naonal Trust owned The Weir Garden.

At 10 miles Belmont Golf Course is on your right. Not long

aer this you begin to enter the outskirts of Hereford.

Hereford Rowing Club is on the le at almost 12 miles. The

get out is a purpose built canoe launch point, on the right,

under Greyfriars road bridge. Hereford grew around an

ancient river crossing, explaining its name, which means

‘ford of the army’.

British Canoeing Wye Paddle Guide

Leaving the city of Hereford behind, enter the Wye Valley Area of

Outstanding Natural Beauty. A quiet section of meandering river,

beautiful countryside, steep wooded valleys and rich in wildlife.

Hereford to

Hoarwithy

16 miles

4 - 8 hours

Steps underneath the A49 Greyfriars Bridge, Hereford, HR2 7RE

Tresseck Farm Campsite, Hoarwithy, HR2 6QH or Brish Canoeing

land (see info at end of trail)

Explorer 189 Hereford and Ross-on-Wye

Distance:

Time:

Start:

Finish:

OS Map:

Launch from the steps under the A49 Greyfriars Bridge and turn right.

At Bartonsham, almost 2 miles aer seng o, head to the

right below the railway bridge to negoate a small rapid.

The river is quiet and meandering. A diversion can be taken

aer 8 miles to explore the River Lugg where it joins the

Wye. If you explore the Lugg, upstream aer 500 metres

you will nd the village of Mordiford and the Moon Inn.

Reaching Capler Hill you’ll see a steep wooded slope on the le

bank. This leads to the double ramparts of Capler Camp, an Iron Age

hill fort.

Towards the end of the trail (14 miles), encounter Carey Island

rapids. A simple grade 1 rapid, normally recommended to be taken

on the right.

Finish your journey 100 metres below Hoarwithy bridge on the

right hand bank. At low water there is a beach and steps leading

up a steep bank to Tresseck Farm Campsite. You could also use the

Brish Canoeing owned Toll Paddock at Hoarwithy. The site is run

and maintained by dedicated volunteers. Wild camping is allowed

here, strictly by prior arrangement. Paddlers wishing to make use of

the land must contact SYMG@brishcanoeing.org.uk in advance.

Alternavely, land on the le bank, about a quarter

of a mile downstream of the bridge, with prior

permission from Lower Ruxton Farm.

A49

B4399

B4224

Tresseck

Farm

Camp

Site

Brish

Canoeing

owned

land

British Canoeing Wye Paddle Guide10

Hoarwithy to

Ross-on-Wye

The remoteness of this trail has enabled wildlife to flourish. Its

meanders are punctuated by small rapids leading from the picturesque

village of Hoarwithy to the historic town of Ross-on-Wye.

Hope and

Anchor

A40

Tresseck Farm

Camp Site

White

House

Farm

Campsite

Brish

Canoeing

owned

land

11.5 miles

3 - 5.5 hours

Tresseck Farm Campsite, Hoarwithy, HR2 6QH or Toll Paddock, Brish Canoeing land

Public launch point, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7BT (steps on the le hand bank, 100m

below the Hope and Anchor pub)

Explorer 189 Hereford and Ross-on-Wye

Distance:

Time:

Start:

Finish:

OS Map:

Launch from Tresseck Farm Campsite/Toll Paddock and turn right.

Aer 2.5 miles pass under Sellack suspension footbridge. 200 metres

downstream of the bridge lies Sellack Common on the right hand

bank, which oers a place

to stop.

The river meanders quietly through the countryside, passing the odd

farm and small village. Aer a couple of miles you will be passing

through the Inglestone Estate. The salmon pools here are indicated

by red and green discs xed to the trees. Please observe these and

paddle on the green side of the river.

There are some minor rapids around the hamlet of Hole in the Wall,

some 7 miles aer the start.

At around 9.2 miles you will pass by the remains of Backney Railway

Bridge, which once carried the Great Western Railway over the Wye.

Just before this, at Backney Common, there is a popular picnic site.

At just over 11.5 miles you reach Ross-on-Wye. There is a public canoe

launch point 200 metres downstream of the Hope and Anchor pub on

the le hand bank. You can get out here then, a further

200 metres away by road, there is a car park

with toilets.

British Canoeing Wye Paddle Guide

14 miles

4.5 - 7 hours

Public launch point, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 7BT (steps on the le hand bank,

100m below the Hope and Anchor pub)

Symonds Yat West - River Wye Caravan and Camping, HR9 6DA or 500

metres downstream; Symonds Yat East - Wyedean Canoe Centre, HR9 6JL

Explorer OL 14 Wye Valley and Forest of Dean

Ross-on-Wye

to Symonds Yat

Distance:

Time:

Start:

Finish:

OS Map:

Launch and turn le. Aer 500 metres reach Wilton Bridge; take the centre

arch, then keep to the right of the island just downstream. Aer the bridge you

will encounter a series of rapids with some waves that will hold your aenon.

Aer 5 miles look out for Goodrich Castle, high on the right hand bank. 1 mile

later approach Kerne Bridge - don’t launch/land here. Immediately below the

bridge fast water and strong currents can push you into trees. At low water

levels there’s a gravel bank below the bridge, from which you can inspect.

800m below the bridge, on the le, is a landing with steps to a picnic

site and car park.

Two miles further, on a sharp right hand bend, is Lydbrook rapid.

Rounding the bend you will see an island on the right; keep to the

le of the island. Lower Lydbrook village, picnic site and toilets,

(concrete steps for access) is on the le just aer the rapids.

Aer another half a mile reach Welsh Bicknor, with its

youth hostel, on the right bank. Please pass quietly

through this important shing stretch.

The river makes its way around Yat Rock and down to

Symonds Yat; a popular and busy area. There is a charge for

landing and launching here. Make sure you know where your

nish point is; Symonds Yat has an East and a West on

opposite banks.

Symonds Yat West has launching and landing from the

steps on the right hand bank, about 1km upstream

of the rapids. There is a car park and a small

passenger carrying pleasure boat is also based

here. Landing at Ye Olde Ferrie Inn on right

bank - permission required.

At Symonds Yat East there’s a cable ferry for

crossing the river. Landing and launching from

the steps on the le bank at the Wyedean

Canoe Centre.

Immediately aer Symonds Yat East there is a grade two

rapid, which can be inspected from the cycle path on the

le bank. Large waves in the lower parts and congeson is

possible. If you overshoot your get out, the rapid will take

you a long way downstream!

One of the most popular sections of the River Wye, including a number of small

rapids. Taking in the Forest of Dean and passing under the dramatic Yat rock

before nishing at the picturesque Symonds Yat.

B460

B4229

River

Wye

Camping

Wyeside

Park

A40

Brish

Canoeing

Owned

Rapids

Hope and

Anchor

Huntsham

Bridge

Camping

A40

British Canoeing Wye Paddle Guide12

A classic trail on the Wye; a trail that has everything. Beginning at picturesque

Symonds Yat, start with a 150 metre grade 2 rapid before entering the dramatic gorge

of the Seven Sisters Rocks. Take in the bustling historic town of Monmouth before

nishing at the welcoming village of Redbrook.

Symonds Yat

to Redbrook

8.5 miles

2.5 - 4 hours

Symonds Yat West - River Wye Caravan and Camping, HR9

6DA or 500 meters further downstream; Symonds Yat East

- Wyedean Canoe Centre, HR9 6JL

Redbrook Main Car Park, Redbrook Road, NP25 4LP

Explorer 14 Wye Valley and Forest of Dean

Distance:

Time:

Start:

Finish:

OS Map:

Shortly aer the start are Symonds Yat rapids; a 150m, grade

2 rapid, modied to enhance its recreaonal value by the

addion of boulder groynes along its length. Inspect the rapid

from the path that runs along the le hand bank. Watch

parcularly for standing waves at the lower end of the rapid.

If starng from Symonds Yat East it’s best to do this before

you set o, although it’s possible to land on the le before

the rapid. Pass the Royal Lodge Hotel on the le and enter

the rapid. It should be shot in the main ow that takes

you to the le hand side of the island. Avoid the

boulder walls on the le bank and any stray boulders

that have broken away in the current.

1.5 miles further on there is a small rapid by Biblins

Campsite. Shortly aer this you will see a number of

limestone crags above the treeline. These are the Seven

Sisters Rocks. When you come to Hadnock Island, take

the le channel.

Hadnock Island marks the end of the gorge and the start

of the run into Monmouth. On this secon watch out for

rowers training on the river. The navigaon rules are

that you stay on the right hand side.

The river runs alongside the main road, with the aracve

town to the right. Monmouth derives its name from the

Monnow river, which is bridged by a unique 14th century

fored gatehouse. There is a get out at Monmouth on

the steps just aer you pass the Rowing Club (please use

public steps not Rowing Club ones); right hand bank.

Monmouth town centre is a short walk from here.

As you leave Monmouth there is a small rapid as you

navigate down the le hand side of an island and make your

way down to your nish at Redbrook.

River

Wye

Camping

A466

A40

Biblins

Brish

Canoeing

Owned

Rapids

Dixton

Meadows

British Canoeing Wye Paddle Guide

Redbrook

to Chepstow

The rivers Severn and Wye have the second largest tidal range (height) in the world at

15 metres (48 feet). This can cause the river to flow at up to 10mph. The river becomes

tidal 2.5 miles below Redbrook at Bigsweir Bridge, but it is 4 miles later at Brockweir

where the full tidal impact is felt and the river’s characteristics change.

15 miles

4 -7.5 hours

Redbrook Main Car Park, Redbrook

Road, NP25 4LP

Pontoons beside The Boat Inn,

Chepstow, NP16 5HH

Explorer 14 Wye Valley and Forest

of Dean

Distance:

Time:

Start:

Finish:

OS Map:

Tidal secon – for experienced and well

equipped paddlers only.

Put in from Redbrook Main Carpark

and turn le, towards Chepstow.

Bigsweir Bridge is arrived at aer

around 3.5 miles, with rapids 800m

downstream of the bridge.

Aer Llandogo, a village with shops and a

pub, you will nd rapids from here to Tintern

and the banks become muddy from here on.

At Brockweir, approximately 8 miles above

Chepstow, the river changes character with

its banks and river condions determined

by the des, not river ows. There is a

restored stone landing on the le bank, just

upstream of the bridge, although this can be

awkward and muddy at low de. Alongside

the river are the remains of old quays where

supplies from sailing barges were loaded

and unloaded in the past. There is currently

no landing at Tintern or aer Chepstow, as

dangerous weirs are exposed at low water.

Please read the informaon at the

end of the trail if you would like to

connue your journey from here.

At Tintern you will spot the ruins of a 12th

century Cistercian abbey on the right. This is

now a popular tourist aracon. The de is

considerable.

The high, steep silt/mud banks combined

with fast currents makes landing dicult

and limited. The get out point at Chepstow

is on a oang pontoon at Chepstow boat

club, on the right bank aer you pass under

the ornate cast iron Chepstow Bridge.

British Canoeing Wye Paddle Guide14

If you do this secon you should plan to do it

straight through from Brockweir to Chepstow

without a bank stop. The following sets out

how you should plan the trip from Brockweir

to Chepstow

Plan on the 8 mile journey taking about

1.5 - 2 hours without any bank stops.

There is only one get out point in Chepstow,

on the Chepstow Boat Club pontoon.

Right bank, aer you pass under the

ornate cast iron Chepstow Bridge.

The pontoon oats for a maximum of two

hours either side of high de Chepstow.

Useful navigaon informaon can be

found on the Chepstow boat club web

site: www.chepstowboatclub.co.uk/

the-club/moorings-and-facilies

Aim to set o one hour before high de

Chepstow. It’s a good idea to inform

Milford Haven Coastguard of your

journey on 01646 690909. And also

inform them once you’re o the water.

If you arrive late at Brockweir, less than one

hour before high de you should consider

making other plans. Chepstow high des

mes can be found here: www.demes.

co.uk/chepstow-de-mes

Check the weather forecast, strong

headwinds may slow you down and cause

dangerous waves to build up.

DO NOT PROCEED PAST CHEPSTOW the

Severn estuary awaits! You don’t want to

spoil your day by coming back in a life boat

or helicopter minus your boat and kit.

A466

British Canoeing Wye Paddle Guide

Version 1 September 2022

Did you know you’re required to have a waterways licence for many managed

waterways in England and Wales?

The River Wye doesn’t require you to have a licence to paddle on it. However, if you

paddle regularly you should consider becoming a member of Brish Canoeing.

Licences are easy to get and the fee from them contributes towards the work that

waterways authories carry out to protect and maintain the waterways you paddle on.

British Canoeing

Membership

Membership for all paddling interests and crafts (kayaks, SUPs,

canoes, inflatables). Fantastic paddler benets.

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of waterways managed by Canal and River Trust, Environment Agency, Broads

Authority and many more.

• Insurance - £10,000,000 civil liability cover included, plus the opon to purchase

cra insurance at a great price.

• Guidance, training and top ps - regular member communicaons and advice, plus

access to training courses and qualicaons.

• Discounts - exclusive paddler focused oers

Become part of our community today and support campaigns and projects to

improve access and the environment.

£45 - discounts available for children, families and couples.

gopaddling.info/bcmembership

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a Member

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