3 Day Canoe Hire
Holme Lacy To Symonds Yat East
3 Day Trip – 37 miles
Holme Lacy to Symonds Yat East
Canoe 33 miles through beautiful Herefordshire countryside and into the Wye Valley.
You can enjoy camping right on the riverbank overnight.
| Item for Hire | Price |
|---|---|
| 2 Person Canoe (minimum of 1 adult + 1 child over 12) | £210.00 per boat |
| 3 Person Canoe (2 adults and 1 child under 16 or 1 adult and 2 children 12-16) | £225.00 per boat |
| 3 Adult Canoe Maximum combined weight 34 stone Pack light to keep people and your kit under the limit |
£270.00 per boat |
| Single Sit on Top Kayak * Experience required minimum of 16 years old (accompanied by and 18+) You will need canoes to carry your kit |
£135.00 per boat |
| Single Kayak * Professional training required minimum of 16 years old (accompanied by and 18+) You will need canoes to carry your kit |
£150.00 per boat |
| Double Kayak * Experience required (minimum of 1 adult + 1 child over 12) Pack light as there is minimal storage space |
£210.00 per boat |
| Spars to join 2 Canoes together Great for families and those who want to be more sociable. |
£2.00 per pair |
| Launch Fee – Payable upon check in. This must be in cash | £5.00 per boat |
| Arrival Time – Day 1 | Finish Time – Day 3 |
|---|---|
| 10:30 | 16:30 |
| Booking Information |
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Cancellations
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| Useful Information for your Adventure |
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Arrive with us at Symonds Yat East When we arrive at your start destination in Holme Lacy, the driver will unload your craft, give your party a thorough safety brief, show you how to safely get your canoes into the water and tell you which way to set off on your Wye adventure. As soon as you paddle away from your launch site, you’ll go through some beautiful countryside where you can spot lots of wildlife. You will pass the remains of the old railway bridge that used to run from Hereford to Ross on Wye. As you approach your stop for the first night at Tresseck Farm, you will notice the sheltered landing spot on your right-hand side after going under Hoarwithy Toll Bridge, situated on the right bank of the river. You can disembark the river here, making sure you take your craft and belongings up the steps and choose your camping spot on the field above. Top tip – head to The New Harp Inn for a pint before bed. Located just at the end of the camping field.
On your first night you can stay at the Tresseck Farm (you will need to arrange this directly with the campsites themselves). We ask that you take all equipment out of the water and put the canoes upside down next to your tents.
Wake up on the river bank, cook breakfast and decamp Paddling off downstream through some stunning Herefordshire countryside, you will see many historic sights such as 2 demolished railway bridges, the stanchions of which still sit proudly in the water for you to paddle around. You will go under elegant suspension bridges all whilst being surrounded by the natural wildlife that call the river home, including Swans, Cormorants, Ducks, Canadian Geese and Otters (if you’re fortunate enough to see them). When you approach Ross-on-Wye you will see a large dual carriageway bridge above the river. Shortly after this, you will see the Ross Rowing Club on your left-hand side. 10 minutes around the corner is Wilton Bridge, where immediately afterwards you’ll find The White Lion riverside pub.
You can either camp at The White Lion or Ross Rowing Club (you will need to arrange this directly with the campsites themselves). We ask that you take all equipment out of the water and put the canoes upside down next to your tents.
We recommend you are on the water by 10am at the latest so you have plenty of time to enjoy your journey without rushing. After carefully packing your canoes and putting on the necessary safety equipment, you will paddle off downstream towards Symonds Yat East. Paddle 6 miles of tranquil placid water leaving the town behind you. Look up to your right as you approach Kerne Bridge (your second bridge) to get a unique view of Goodrich Castle. Canoeing through Bishopswood, Lydbrook and on towards the Welsh Bicknor Youth Hostel, stop for a brief look at an amazing little church on the right-hand river bank. You will then pass underneath the disused railway bridge at lower Lydbrook, following the river as it meanders in a big horseshoe underneath the famous Symonds Yat Rock Viewpoint, where the Peregrine Falcons nest. Depending on the time of year you may well see them hunting and teaching their young to fly. This is the perfect place to stop and enjoy your picnic with some stunning views. Just please leave nothing behind. From here you paddle underneath Huntsham Bridge and past Symonds Yat West. It takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour to paddle back to our riverside centre at Symonds Yat East from this point. This trip covers 15 miles and you have until 16:30 to finish the journey, which is plenty of time. It is designed not as a race but a gentle paddle. Got any questions? Check out the FAQs below. |
| Holme Lacy to Symonds Yat East – 33 miles |
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| All customers must arrive at our centre in Symonds Yat East. We will then transport you to your start destination.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the trip take?
Rough paddling pace is 3 miles per hour.
Day 1 – 3 hours
Day 2 – 3 to 4 hours
Day 3 – 5 to 6 hours
What if we have never canoed before?
This is not a trip for beginners. We would suggest you choose a shorter trip and build yourselves up.
We suggest you choose the ¾ Day Trip – Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat East as your first experience.
Where do we park?
There is a large Pay & Display car park right next to our centre.
On sunny days please leave plenty of time to find a space and purchase a ticket before your arrival time.
What is the launch charge?
Sadly the local parish council charge £2 per boat to launch at Kerne Bridge. Whilst this is against our wishes it is currently a necessary evil.
This is payable in cash upon check-in and goes directly to the launch site operators.
Can dogs go?
Yes, as long as they are well behaved, not tied into the boat and are no bigger than an average Labrador.
Please be sensible if bringing your dog with you, especially in hot weather!
Will we be unaccompanied?
Yes, 90% of all canoe hire is unaccompanied unless we deem it necessary to guide you down the river because of the conditions on the day.
If we choose to accompany you, it is not intended to be invasive nor does it spoil your time on the water, it is there to help keep you safe.
If the water levels are higher than normal and we are still safe to operate, one of our highly qualified instructors will guide you down the river with a small number of other people. We still get you out to enjoy the trip but in a safe controlled manner.
What if the weather is bad on the day?
If the lovely British weather decides to rain on the day of your activity, we will still go ahead.
We ask you to bring the appropriate clothing and the right attitude to have some fun.
If we deem the weather to be unsafe, we will postpone or cancel your booking. This is at our discretion.
Can we take alcohol with us?
Sorry, as a duty of care to all river users, the environment and the locals who live in the area, we operate a zero tolerance on any alcohol or glass bottles.
We reserve the right to check before allowing you out on the water. If you want to have a drink please do the responsible thing, enjoy your canoe trip and then visit one of the fine establishments right next to the canoe centre upon your return.
Will we have time to stop on the way?
Yes, you will have time to stop on both days, but please keep an eye on the time and look at the maps we give you to see how far you have left to paddle.
What is the youngest someone can go canoeing?
We would not recommend an adult taking anyone under the age of 10-12 years old on this journey as it is quite a distance.
Do not book this trip if you are not 100% your child will be content in a canoe for this length of time.
Do we need to prebook?
We would highly recommend pre-booking to avoid disappointment. We may have some availability on the day, so please call us on 01600 891 376 and we will do our best to fit you in.
Is there a maximum weight?
The maximum weight of a person must not exceed 17 stone or 110kg – With a maximum weight of 34 stone or 230kg in a canoe including clothing and any gear.
What should we wear?
Wear clothes appropriate to the conditions. Whilst the chances of you getting wet are slim, it may happen. Bring a change of clothes just in case. Footwear must be worn at all times. No flip flops, ‘Crocs’ or Wellington boots.
How much space do we have to take our gear?
The beauty of this trip is you do not have to carry much at all. You can leave your overnight gear in the car and just take what you need for each day.
However, in a 2 person canoe we will give you a maximum of 2x 60l water-resistant barrels to put your kit inside. In a 3 person canoe you have space for 1x 60l water-resistant barrel.
Our best tip is to think carefully about what you need to take and pack light.
- Clothing suitable to the conditions plus a warm layer
- Toiletries
- Food and cooking provisions but there are places to eat at each stop off point.
- Sun cream and any necessary medication
- Tent & sleeping bag
Do we pay a deposit to book?
Upon booking we take payment in full. This reserves your spaces and you will receive a confirmation email which will inform you on all the details of the activity you have booked. Including what to wear and how to find us.
Can pregnant people participate?
Sorry, we cannot allow anyone who is pregnant to participate in any of our activities.
