Hereford to Symonds Yat West (Three Day River Trip)

A great 3-day journey from the Historic town of Hereford...

This is a fantastic 3-day overnight canoe trip that begins in the historic market town of Hereford, the first day is a biggie with 18 miles to cover so if that's a bit of a stretch then we can launch you at Mordiford which cuts the distance on the first day by half. You can choose from either 2/3 person Open Canoes (perfect for novices and great for load carrying), or Single Person Kayaks, Single Person Paddleboards (both SUP's and Kayaks require previous experience) or a MegaSUP (6 person paddleboard)

Meet us at Symonds Yat West (your finish point) and then we transport you up to Hereford to begin your trip. This way, your cars will be ready for when you finish the trip.

Day one you start off with a 9-mile paddle through some lovely countryside to reach Lucksall Park Campsite where you have a spot of lunch in their cafe before getting back on the water for another 9 miles down to your overnight stop at Tresseck Park Campsite in the village of Hoarwithy some 12 miles up river of Ross on Wye, Tresseck Park Campsite is overlooked by the Tuscan Style St Catherine’s Church, built on the hillside above, it's a great place to stay the night.

Shortly after getting back on the water on day two, you will see Sellack Suspension footbridge and Strangford bridge (demolished railway bridge), after another mile you will see Fawley Chapel on the left bank and shortly after that How Caple and the Inglestone Estate, for 2 miles downstream the salmon pools are indicated by red and green discs fixed to the trees, please observe and paddle on the green side of the river. Another mile further and you will be at ‘Hole in the Wall’ formerly the PGL canoe centre on the left bank with private access just above the rapids. Just after that is Foy, you will see an elegant suspension bridge, built after an earlier structure was swept away by floods in 1919. The current is restricted by small islands and the channel varies according to level, church on right after 400m. Then it's only a mile or so to Backney Common where a simple metal cross sits on the left bank. This commemorates an act of bravery by the rector of Brampton Abbotts in 1904, who died whilst saving his son and his daughters friend from drowning. Demolished railway bridge (pic) is then just 400 m downstream at Backney. Be aware of obstructions and weeds caught up on the bridge. Then Ross on Wye and your overnight stop are only another 3 miles downstream, and if you are looking to camp then Ross Rowing Club is ideal for camping and the first stop as you reach the town, there is a long curve on the river from the motorway bridge to Wilton Bridge and The White Lion another good overnight spot for camping and B&B, the public landing spot is on the curve after The Hope and Anchor pub (more camping and B&B) on left a few hundred meters before Wilton Bridge.

The market town of Ross-on-Wye sits attractively on a rise above the river, with a backdrop of wooded hills, interesting features to visit include the market house, plague cross and museums.

Leaving Ross you pass under Wilton Bridge and a 13th Century castle on the right just before the bridge, use the middle arch of the bridge and the channel to the right of the island. The river then winds it way through fields and woodland until after 5 miles you reach Goodrich Castle, an impressive Norman fortification set against the skyline on the right, it is managed by English Heritage and open daily throughout the year, its also a great place to park and begin a walk along Coppett Hill and back up the section of river that you are about to paddle down.

Not long after Goodrich Castle, you will reach Kerne Bridge where it’s best to pass through the large middle arch and be careful to avoid any fallen trees and navigate the island and river bend. Kerne Bridge public landing stage and access to the Inn on the Wye is 10 mins and 800 m further down river on the left, you will recognise the sloping wheelchair access. It’s another 2 miles before you reach Lower Lydbrook where you will need to go to the left of the island to avoid the overhanging trees. There is a picnic spot on the left with access to public toilets. Half a mile downstream on the right you will see Welsh Bicknor Church and Wye Valley YHA, followed by a railway bridge that is now used as a footbridge and part of the Wye Valley Walk, from now on the river is an important fishing stretch and we advise that you pass through quietly and do not land.

Symonds Yat Rock is another 2 miles further down river and the river bends underneath Yat Rock, you will see the viewing area 150m up the limestone cliffs on the left as you paddle underneath, and maybe hear and see the Peregrine Falcons that nest in the area. The next stretch of the river runs north through fields with Coppett Hill on your right, it is a great place to see deer and many forms of wildlife. You are now not far from Huntsham Bridge, which indicates a mile or so to Symonds Yat.

Once you reach Symonds Yat you are looking for our access point which is signposted and will be on the right bank on a beach opposite a large rock as you travel down the river this will also indicate the 13-mile stage of the day the finish of your River Wye adventure all you need to do now is to carry your canoe off the water to the Wye Canoes/Wye Adventures flag and return your KIT to a member of staff. All you have to do now is plan another exciting Wye Valley Adventure, if you need any suggestions our staff is on hand for advice.

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