For those of you who wish to push themselves on the water then this is the one for you...
If you are seeking a river challenge that includes travelling through some of the finest countryside in Britain on probably the best river in the UK then this is without question the challenge for you...
Known as the Wye 100 because it is exactly 100 miles from Glasbury to Chepstow which is the end of the River Wye as it joins the River Severn some 134 miles later after they both start at Plynlimon in the Welsh mountains.
Not for the faint hearted as it is four long days, paddling around 25 miles per day, the final day must be accompanied by one of our highly experienced river guides.
The river Wye is tidal for its final section from Bigsweir Bridge to Chepstow where it meets the mighty River Severn, (The Severn Estuary is the second highest tidal range in the world at a huge 15 metres only being popped to the number 1 slot by the Bay of Fundy in Canada at 16.3 metres) our guides will meet you at Redbrook on the final day a few hours upstream of the tidal section and take you down to Chepstow to finish at Chepstow boat club and The Boat Inn for a celebratory beverage.
We have planned everything here for you, although you do have to book and pay for your accommodation you will be camping on the first night at Byecross Farm Campsite, an excellent campsite with showers etc, the second night will be at Hoarwithy at Tresseck Park Campsite, there is a pub called The New Harp Inn on site and it’s an ideal overnight camping location which allows open fires and has toilets and water taps. Then the third night you will be in Symonds Yat and can camp at River Wye Camping or stay at any one of many great hotels in the area. We are unable to book your accommodation for you and if you wish you can choose different accommodation to our suggested options along the way but the ones suggested are tried, tested and divide the days up nicely.
Please be advised the booking system will quote including the cost of the guide at £225.00 to your online boat/board hire total, there is also an additional logistics charge for this trip of £130 which covers the shuttle up to Glasbury (approx 1.5 hours from our centre) and the collection (1 hour back to our centre) from Chepstow at the end, the guide and logistical cost covers up to 10 paddlers and is not per person.
You can book your Wye 100 Adventure Challenge online but please speak to a member of staff over the phone (01600 890027) to clear the dates for the tidal section first.
Day 1 - Glasbury to Bycross, 22.5 miles
Starting at Glasbury early on the first day there are many small rapids to wake you up and it’s pretty shallow over the first few miles, in low water be prepared to get wet feet as some rapids may need to be waded especially with loaded canoes. We launch just above the bridge at Glasbury.
Day 2 – Bycross to Hoarwithy, 28.5 miles
After leaving Bycross you will need to pass through Monnington Falls which is only a small rapid but needs inspection first before running, then its gentle paddling all the way to Hereford some 11 miles further downstream.
After leaving Hereford the river winds its way through the countryside for 8 miles until the confluence of the River Lugg on the left and shortly after that there is Lucksall Park Campsite Cafe for a brief stop if needed.
Just 9 miles further is Hoarwithy and your stop for the night, you will pass under a road bridge (pic) and the village is on the right. You can land here for a charge at Tresseck Campsite, there is a pub, New Harp Inn and the prominent ‘Italianate’ church of St Catherine’s which has featured in at least 3 films. Its a great little campsite that allows open fires and has toilets and a water tap.
Day 3 – Hoarwithy to Symonds Yat, 24.5 miles
After leaving Hoarwithy you will paddle under a few bridges but 8 miles into your day is Backney Common, you will see the old railway bridge stanchions at Backney and you need to be cautious in case of obstructions and debris caught up on the bridge, Ross is only another 3 miles downstream, for food and drink options in Ross we would suggest The White Lion which is on the left bank as you leave Ross or The Hope and Anchor pub on left before that.
The market town of Ross-on-Wye sits attractively on a rise above the river, it 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, a few miles after Goodrich Castle you will reach Symonds Yat Rock and the river bends underneath Yat Rock (pic), 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.
Once you reach Symonds Yat you are looking for a small beach on river right opposite 2 large rocks and a sign reading “Symonds Yat, Launch and Landing for Wye Canoes Ltd" this is the end of day 3 and it's also where you left your vehicles so you can use them to get to your chosen accommodation for the evening.
Day 4 – Symonds Yat to Chepstow, 24.5 miles
After leaving Symonds Yat with on your final day you will pass through Symonds Yat Rapids, it's the only area we insist on you wearing a helmet and we will brief you regarding the correct line to paddle and safety protocols, following the rapids you will be in one of the finest sections of the Wye Valley, with it steep carboniferous gorge walls its not far now to Wales and Monmouth.
After you pass under Biblins Suspension Bridge it's just 2/3 miles to Welsh border and another miles or so after that to Monmouth, you will see the town on the right, you can land at the second set of steps on the right just after the rowing club and before the bridge. After the old bridge the river is very shallow and just a couple of miles to Redbrook where you will meet your guide for the final tidal section.
A further 10 miles downstream is the ruins of Tintern Abbey (pic) a magnificent 12th century Cistercian abbey and very popular tourist attraction.
From here on the tide can be considerable, which is why there is a necessity for you to be accompanied by an experienced guide and you will paddle the next few miles down to Chepstow with your guide following the flow just after high water reaching your 100 mile goal in next to no time, if requested and if possible due to tides we can take you out of the Wye and join the massive Severn Estuary and finish under bridge at Beachley and your final goal. It will be a great accomplishment and one you will remember forever.
Activity Information Facts:
- Minimum Age – 10 Years Old
- Fitness Level – Moderate/Difficult
- Difficulty – Suitable for fit novices
- Meeting times – 7am
- Meeting place - Wye Adventures Centre, Symonds Yat West, HR96BJ
- On river time – 180 mins after meeting time (30 mins for paperwork, briefing, kitting out, 90 mins to travel to launch site, 20 mins to get boats off and get on water)
- Duration – 7-8 hours paddling each day
- Off water time - 5pm each day (we must receive a text by 6pm to confirm off the water)
- Time of Year – Unguided – March-December, Guided – All Year Round
- Location - Wye Valley
- Adult:Child Ratio Unguided, 4-9 yr olds 1:1 adult to child ratio, 10-18 yr olds 1 adult:2 youths
- Adult:Child Ratio Youth Group Guided, 1 Instructor/Guide:10 Youths + 1 free staff position
- Adult:Child Ratio Standard Group Guided, 1 Instructor/Guide:12 persons.
