A fantastic half day trip for those new to paddlesport or with limited time...
The trip from Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat is stunning and probably the most popular half day river tour on the Wye, this runs at 9am and 1pm everyday and can be done self-guided between the months of March to October, the cost for self-guided canoe hire is just £25 PP (plus your £2.50 per boat launch fee, please bring cash and it will go straight to the land owners) and you can choose from either 2 or 3 person canoes, paddleboards are £42.50 and so are single person kayaks. After booking either through the website (above) or over the phone you will receive an email with information about your trip.
On the day of your trip you meet us at the Wye Adventures Centre (the end point of your trip), we fill out paperwork and complete payments, kit you out with buoyancy aids, paddles and dry barrels before transporting you up to your start point at Kerne Bridge (15 minute drive), you will have the small launch fee to pay to the owners of the launch site if self-guided (£2.50 per canoe) a quick safety briefing and you are away, off to canoe the wye and heading down river and essentially back to your car.
To start with you will paddle through Bishopswood and Lower Lydbrook. After Lydbrook you will pass by the Wye Valley YHA and the lovely Church at Welsh Bicknor and under the old disused railway bridge that forms part of the Wye Valley Walk. The river meanders down towards and under the famous Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint, where you may be able to spot peregrine falcons and other birds of prey. After passing Yat Rock you paddle for a further hour through stunning scenery into Symonds Yat and back to Symonds Yat West and your car. Along the way you can see a variety of wildlife from otters, mink, swans, geese, deer, wild boar, peregrine falcons and plenty more.
The distance of about seven miles of this trip can be enough for the first time paddler and is perfect to enjoy the fantastic surroundings and stunning vistas the area has to offer, and if you fancied chilling out and taking a little more of a relaxed approach to this trip then why not consider this trip as a 3/4 day trip starting at 11am which allows another hour or so to relax.
Activity Information Facts:
- Minimum Age – 4 Years Old
- Fitness Level – Easy/Moderate
- Difficulty – Easy, suitable for novices, you will be required to carry your 34kg canoe between you and your paddling partner (we can assist groups with young children), we can sometimes help at the launch stage but if you capsize on route you will have to recover your boat yourselves as we are not there with you! you will also need to remove the canoe from the river at the end of each day.
- Stops on route - None on this trip I'm afraid! this is a door to door paddle, if you are looking to stop for a break then consider the 3/4 day trip that starts at 11am.
- Meeting times – 9am & 1pm
- Meeting place - Wye Adventures Centre, HR96BJ
- Duration – 2-3 hours
- Off water time - 4.30pm at latest
- Time of Year – Unguided – March-December, Guided – All Year Round
- Location - Lower Wye Valley
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01600 890027 or drop us an email to [email protected]
* Please note that the launch point at Kerne bridge is now a privately owned area and you will need to pay a private toll of £2.50 to the owners on arrival when on a self-guided canoe or kayak trip, so please ensure you have this with you on the day in cash please.
