One day less than the full 100 miler but still an awesome challenge for those brave enough to take it on...
A full on 3 day challenge paddle on the river and requires early starts (8 am on the river) if you are to reach your targets of around 25 miles a day, so it's a 7 am meeting time here at Symonds Yat or come down the day before and we can take you up river to start point the evening before. Many groups undertake this challenge and successfully make it without any trouble but you must be prepared to be on the river at 8 am in the morning and be prepared to maybe eat and drink in the boats rather than stop for lunch. You will be travelling at about 2-3 miles per hour on average in low water conditions, so you must be prepared for long days, we advise that you take hats, sun-cream, waterproofs, spare warm clothing, towels, etc, and plenty of food, lots of water and definitely torches and mobile phones so that we can check on your progress during the trip.
Whitney Toll Bridge to Hereford, 23.5 miles
Starting from Whitney Toll bridge which was built in 1774 and is one of the few private bridges left in the country. You travel down stream passing the Boat Inn where there is a small rapid set into the left bank and then Locksters Pool is 2 miles further down river which is a deep pool on a sharp left hand bend where large catches of salmon can be found. 4 Miles further is Turners Boat where you pass the Island on the left then there are numerous small rapids for the next few miles until you pass under the bridge at Bredwardine, then just another mile or so further you turn a sharp bend under the red sandstone cliffs at Brombury Scar. One Mile further on and you pass Moccas Court on the right bank and paddle past what is left of Moccas Toll bridge then another mile downstream and you are at Bycross. Just after passing Bycross you will start to approach Monnington Falls, you can land on the left gravel bank to inspect the falls, the channel except in flood conditions, is to the left of the island with a small flat at the top. Inspect the whole run of fast water for obstructions and fallen trees before paddling. Shortly after Monnington Falls is Preston on Wye where you will see a church on the right hand bank, then half a mile further is Byford, you will see a few houses on the left hand bank. There are weedy shallows as far as Bridge Sollers. Landing is on left bank 200m below pumping station, in front of black & white cottage. Its an overgrown area and a site of an old ford, there is access to the road down a narrow lane. You are now 10 miles from Hereford. After 4 miles you pass New Weir, there is no weir there today but a large attractive walled garden on the left, well maintained by the National Trust, with surviving masonry and a cistern from the Roman period, another 2 miles further and pass to the left of the island at Breinton Common then its just 4 miles to the Rowing Club at Hereford.
Hereford to Ross-on-Wye, 28 miles
Hereford grew up around an ancient river crossing, which explains its name, meaning ‘ford of the army’. Among the many places of interest are the cathedral and a medieval chained library, the Old House museum, Museum of Cider, city walls and the old castle site at Castle Green. A variety of river crossings include the disused iron railway bridge at Hunderton, the modern Greyfriars Bridge, the Wye Bridge built in 1490 and the elegant Victorian suspension bridge of 1898.
After leaving Hereford the river winds its way through the countryside for 8 miles until the confluence of the River Lugg on the left then shortly after you pass underneath the Holme Lacy Bridge and you should see Lucksall Caravan Park on your left where you can purchase ice creams and supplies. Another 3 miles further down stream you come across Mancell’s Ferry where signs will tell you to keep right around the bend, after another mile you will see Capler Hill, a steep wooded slope on the left bank, leading to the double ramparts of Capler Camp, an Iron Age hill fort. A wide variety of birds inhabit these woods and dappled fallow deer may be sighted, from here to Ross the river follows several large meanders. A mile further down stream are Carey Islands, a group of islands with rapids in between, the best course in normal water is the right of the first island. then shortly after is Carey, a demolished railway bridge. One of three railway bridges crossing the Wye between Ross and Hereford which were dismantled when the Hereford to Gloucester line closed in 1964. Just a couple of miles further is Hoarwithy, you will pass under a road bridge and the village is on the right. You can land here for a charge at Tresseck Campsite, there is a post office, a pub, New Harp Inn and the prominent ‘Italianate’ church of St Catherine’s which has featured in at least 3 films. After leaving Hoarwithy you will see Sellack Suspension footbridge 2 miles down river and Strangford bridge (demolished railway bridge) another mile further, 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’ 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 its 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 400m downstream at Backney. Be aware of obstructions and weeds caught up on the bridge. Then Ross is only another 3 miles downstream, there is a long curve on the river from the motorway bridge to Wilton Bridge and The White Lion. The public landing spot is on the curve after The Hope and Anchor pub on left a few hundred meters before Wilton Bridge.
Ross-on-Wye to Redbrook, 22 miles
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. Car parking is nearby. 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 if you like you can land on the gravel bank 50m downstream of the bridge to inspect the fast water for obstructions and fallen trees. The public landing stage is 800m further down the river on the left, you will recognise the sloping wheelchair access. Its 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 and The Courtfield Arms. Half a mile downstream on the right you will see Welsh Bicknor Church and Welsh Bicknor Youth Hostel, followed by a railway bridge that is now used as a footbridge, 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 with Bowens Field on the left just before the river bends underneath Yat Rock, you will see the viewing area 150m up the limestone cliffs on the left., 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 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 Ye Old Ferrie Inn which will be on the right bank as you travel down the river this will also indicate the 13-mile stage of the day and over halfway. This is where we are based and probably where you parked up before beginning your trip. Ye Old Ferrie Inn which dates back to the 15th Century is one of the oldest buildings in the area and after a few hours or days on the river, it’s the perfect place to relax and sample the excellent local food & drink while watching the world pass by. At this stage, we will provide you with helmets and a further safety briefing for the grade 2 rapids that are 15 minutes downriver.
After passing through the rapids you will be in one of the best parts of the Wye Valley, with it steep carboniferous gorge walls you will see Seven Sisters viewpoint on your right not long after passing under the suspension footbridge at Biblins campsite. The next landmark will be Hadnock Island which is just before you enter Wales, the Island is best passed on the left and is approx 5 miles from Redbrook. You will know when you are entering Wales as you approach the dual carriageway and will see the Wyastone Estate.
As you approach Monmouth you will see the town on the right with a ruined castle, a market, Nelson Museum and the Navel Temple high on Kymin Hill. Monmouth derives its name from the Monnow River which is bridged by a unique 14th-century fortified gatehouse. You can land at the second set of steps on the right just after the rowing club and before the bridge. After the bridge, the river is very shallow and the best channel is on the left of the river, you will then see the Monnow River joining the Wye on the right. Beware of underwater obstructions from the demolition of the two railway bridges. For the last couple of miles, you are back into the Wye Valley gorge and there are plenty of rocky shallows in this stretch of the river. It will only be a short while before you reach Redbrook, landing is on the left after the disused railway bridge pictured above. Redbrook has a number of shops and a nice pub on the opposite bank to the landing stage. It was at Redbook that the last recorded act of piracy took place on the River Wye when men came down from the Forest of Dean and captured two barges. There is no record of their arrest. Here you can take your boats out of the river and leave them on the bank while you wait for us to collect you. While you are waiting why not walk across the old railway bridge for a drink at The Boat.
Activity Information Facts:
- Minimum Age – 4 Years Old
- Fitness Level – Moderate/Difficult
- Difficulty – Suitable for fit novices
- Meeting times – 7 am
- Meeting place - Riverside, behind Paddocks Hotel, Symonds Yat West, HR96BL
- On river time – 180 mins after meeting time (30 mins for paperwork, briefing, kitting out, 60 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 - 5 pm each day (we must receive a text by 6 pm 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.
