4 Day Canoe Hire - Hereford
To Symonds Yat East

Arrive with us at Symonds Yat East
Kit up & safety brief
We transport you upstream to launch at Hereford

When we arrive at your start destination, 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.

Day 1: Hereford to Holme Lacy

You start from under the main bridge into Hereford, paddling off downstream through the outskirts of the city. You will pass the huge Cathedral that you can see from the river through the center of the huge old stone bridge. As you paddle away from the city you will head towards your first stop at Holme Lacy.

Stop on the floating pontoon on your left-hand side (please take your canoes up out of the way of others using this area and put them next to your tents).

There is a great cafe here at Lucksall Park and a shop which sells camping equipment and food if you have forgotten anything.

Night 1: 

You can camp at Lucksall Park (you will need to arrange this directly with the campsites themselves).

Day 2: Holme Lacy to Hoarwithy

As you paddle away from Holme Lacy, 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 next stop for the 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.

Night 2:

On your second 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.

Day 3: Hoarwithy to Ross-on-Wye

Wake up on the river bank, cook breakfast and decamp
Check your canoes are packed with the weight low and secure
Don your buoyancy aid and head off downstream

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.

Night 3

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.

Day 4

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.