The Wilderness Centre. Residential, Environmental & Outdoor Education

Outline Information on Sections of the River Wye for Canoe and Kayaking Journeys

Wilton Bridge(WB) to Kerne Bridge KB

Distance: 6mls/10km
Duration: approx 4.5 to 5 hours on the water
Access: close to the Hope and Anchoir
Grid Refrence: 596 241
River Discription: Good access, with toilets available and reasonable parking Excellent section for a days introduction to moving water, with shallow rapids, many swans, the occasional kingfisher and Goodrich castle. The last section just after Kerne Bridge quickens up and needs care, due to overhanging trees can present a small challenge

Kerne Bridge (K.B.) to Lower Lydbrook (L.L.)

Distance: 2mls/3km
Duration: approx 1 to 1.5 hours on the water
Access: below K B river left, car park and picnic area.
Grid Reference: K. B. 582 187.
River Description: Good access to the river, gentle and fairly straight with two short faster moving water sections. Suitable section for an introduction to moving water, with opportunity for more games. (NB Vehicle must be left in the larger upper carpark.)

Lower Lydbrook (L. L.) to to Biblins Forestry Commission (B.F.C.) site

Distance: 8mls/13km Including Symonds Yat Rapid
Duration: approx 4.5 to 5.5 hours on the water
Access / Egress: 2nd smaller car park.
Grid reference: L. L. 596 170
River Description: Steep concrete steps led down to the river, which begins faster than any of the other described journeys, with three short faster moving water sections, during the 7Ks. This is one of the most scenic sections of the river particularly with the limestone cliffs, the largest being Yat rock
(a popular tourist lookout). Peregrine Falcons have nested on these cliffs over the last few years and are sometimes seen swooping about.
The valley sides have now opened out, various buildings are more common and pleasure cruise boats may be encountered. A little further on from the 2nd pub
and hotels is a small island with Symonds Yat rapid graded 1-2, on the river left.
500 mt further down is the end of this section.

With proficient groups and suitable water levels, a paddle up to Symonds Yat rapid, from Biblins, carry around, move further up the river and work on some basic skills before coming back down, through the rapids or simply working at the bottom of the rapids The advantage being more time is spent on the water, because no shuttling of vehicles is required.

Biblins (B. F. C.) site to Monmouth (M) Rowing Club (R.C)

Distance: 3.5mls/6km
Duration: 2.5 to 3 hours on the water
Access / Egress: Good parking with concrete steps to the water
Grid reference: B F C 555 146 and M R C 513 129
River Description: A short distance down from the launch point is the first of three short sections of faster moving water, here the river enters a steeply wooded valley, with many rocky outcrops such as
Seven Sisters Rocks. Fields soon appear on the river left, after 2km and the A40
can be heard and glimpsed up on the right. The river becomes slower and much straighter, particularly in the remaining 2km, which tends to attract a ad wind !

Download the above information and additional tips for Canoeing and Kayaking on the river wye in the following PDF document:
Outline of River Routes and General Information (99KB)

Please note that a Kayak or Canoeing river journey, due to high water levels, may have to be cancelled at short notice, we apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. Where possible other activities will beoffered.