Paddleboarding & Canoeing the River Wye
Explore Herefordshire on Water
- Savour the sights, sounds and scenery of our beautiful county
- Get close to nature, including kingfishers, peregrine falcons, herons, swans & otters
- Admire the views, from ancient woodland and limestone cliffs to Goodrich Castle
- Experience the thrilling rapids in the dramatic surrounds of Symonds Yat
- Adventure downstream by canoe, kayak or paddleboard
- Try a half-day, full day or multi day paddle
- Hire the kit from one of our providers or bring your own gear
Come and paddle
Known as Britain's favourite river, The Rive Wye is navigable by canoe or kayak for over 100 miles, including our stretch from Hay-on-Wye to Symonds Yat.
There's are numerous points where you can 'put in' if you have your own gear as well as plenty of providers who will happily kit you out and arrange your trip. They also offer training, taster sessions and guided wildlife safaris on the river.
Practicalities
On the River Wye, we tend to only paddle downstream so the canoe companies throw in transport to make this as easy as possible - for example, you meet them at the finish point and then they drive you (and equipment) to the start of the paddle, so that your car is ready and waiting for you at the end. They also provide you with a waterproof canister in which you can safely stow your belongings.
We recommend wearing a pair of shoes/sandals you don't mind getting wet (old trainers are the best!) and bringing along some snacks or a picnic. The canoe companies can also advise on the best riverside pubs on each trip.
If you have never navigated the Wye, you have seen nothing.
Insider's Guide to Paddleboarding on The River Wye
Discover the joys of paddleboarding the Wye, from wildlife watching to whitewater thrills.
Top 8 Outdoor Adventures
Spend a week canoeing downstream from Hay-on-Wye through Herefordshire, camping beside the river or staying at country pubs as you go.
Recommended Paddles
The classic Wye voyage
Enjoy a week canoeing downstream from Hay-on-Wye through Herefordshire and across the border to Monmouth, camping beside the river. First, voyage from the book town to the magnificent Hereford Cathedral. Then drift past verdant meadows to Hoarwithy, dominated by its distinctive Italianate church then around one of the widest meanders to reach Ross-on-Wye. Finally, admire the might of Goodrich Castle, peer up at the cliffs of Coldwell Rocks and pause for a pint at Symonds Yat before reaching journey’s end.
Book this trip with Hereford Canoe Hire
A sunny day on the water
The upper reaches of the Herefordshire Wye offer a day's relaxing paddling. Put in at Glasbury, just over the border in Wales, and spend the morning working up an appetite for your lunchtime arrival in Hay-on-Wye – don’t miss the delectable sheep’s-milk ice cream at Shepherds Parlour. Then it’s back into the boat for a mellow afternoon before beaching at Whitney-on-Wye by the welcoming Boat Inn – perfect for a celebratory pint!
Book this trip with Hereford Kayak & Canoe Hire
Family frolics
A half-day outing in a Canadian canoe is a great way to introduce youngsters to the joys of paddling – it’s suitable for children from about four years old, accompanied by water-savvy adults. The eight-mile stretch of the Wye downstream of Kerne Bridge offers the right mix of spectacles and scenery, with soaring buzzards, nesting swans, wooded hillsides and lovely riverside picnic spots. Looming Coldwell Rocks cliffs at Symonds Yat provides a dramatic endpoint to a family-friendly mini-adventure.
Book this trip with Canoe The Wye or Wyedean Canoe Hire
Hire and Explore with the Experts
Adventures With Dave - Hereford
Meeting point: Our start and end points vary dependent on the expedition you choose. Transport can be arranged to return you to your vehicle.
We specialise in professionally guided expeditions. Our adventures include: canoe camping mini expeditions/holidays for families and small groups; bushcraft style expeditions; plus fully catered canoe glamping!
Hereford Canoe Hire - Hoarwithy
Meeting point: Tresseck Campsite Hoarwithy
Our stretch of the Wye is ideal for both the novice and family or anyone who wants to experience this beautiful, quiet stretch of countryside. You can hire a canoe for any period from 2 hours to 5 days, so you paddle away at your own pace.
Hereford Kayak & Canoe Hire - Byecross campsite, Mocca
Based at the beautiful Wye Byecross campsite just up river from Hereford city centre, Hereford Kayak Canoes loves every about paddling. We specialise in canoe, kayak and stand up paddle board hire on the amazing river Wye offering hire, guided trips, taster sessions and group bookings.
Lucksall Park Canoeing & Kayaking - Mordiford
Lucksall is perfectly situated on the banks of the River Wye, providing a great place for canoeing, kayaking and paddle boarding. From the Caravan Park there are two access points down to the River Wye both with a floating pontoon (depending on the time of the Season). If you have your own Canoe or Kayak, why not bring your own. You are welcome to use the pontoons during your stay to land or launch as you wish.
Paddleboarding Adventures - Symonds Yat West
Create magic moments with Paddleboarding Adventures on a paddleboarding adventure. Learn SUP skills with their friendly coaches. Dive into the tranquillity of SUP Yoga in an area of outstanding natural beauty and fuel the adrenaline with a white-water adventure.
