4 Day Canoe Hire - Hereford
To Symonds Yat East

Key Facts:
Day 1 duration: 3 to 4 hours
Day 2 duration: Up to 3 hours
Day 3 duration: 4 to 5 hours
Day 4 duration: 5 to 6 hours
Total length: 43 miles

Canoe 43 miles through beautiful Herefordshire countryside and into the Wye Valley.

You can enjoy camping right on the riverbank overnight.

Up for a challenge? We offer the same trip over 3 days.

Additional Information >

Got any questions? Check out our FAQs >

Additional Information

Prices

Item for Hire Price
2 Person Canoe

  • Minimum of 1 adult + 1 child over 12 years old
£280
per boat
3 Person Canoe

  • 2 adults + 1 child under 16 years old
  • OR 1 adult + 2 children (12-16 years old)
£300
per boat
3 Adult Canoe

  • Maximum combined weight = 34 stone
  • Pack light to keep people and your kit under the limit
£360
per boat
Single sit on top Kayak

  • Experience required
  • Minimum of 16 years old (accompanied by an 18+)
  • You will need canoes to carry your kit
£180
per boat
Single Kayak

  • Professional training required
  • Minimum of 16 years old (accompanied by an 18+)
  • You will need canoes to carry your kit
£200
per boat
Double Kayak

  • Experience required
  • Minimum of 1 adult + 1 child over 12 years old
  • Pack light as there is minimal storage space
£280
per boat
Spars

  • Join 2 canoes together
  • Great for families and those who want to be more sociable.
£2
per pair

Times

Arrival Time Day 1 Finish Time Day 3
9:30 16:30

Bookings

How to Book

  • Call us on 01600 891 376
  • We take payment in full by Debit Card
  • You will receive a confirmation email upon booking
  • By placing a booking with us, you are accepting our Terms & Conditions

Cancellations

  • 50% of the payment is refundable if cancelled more than 14 days prior to the activity
  • 50% is non refundable
  • If you cancel in less than 14 days there is no refund

Full description

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.

more-info

FAQs

How long does the trip take?

Rough paddling pace is 3 miles per hour.

Day 1 – 3 to 4 hours

Day 2 – Up to 3 hours

Day 3 – 3 to 4 hours

Day 4 – 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 9 mile Kerne Bridge trip as your first experience.

Where do we park?

There is a large Pay & Display car park right next to our centre.

To purchase an overnight parking ticket you need to do this upon check in (you will need your registration plate)

This is £10 per vehicle, per day

Can our dogs come canoeing with us?

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 bring 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 all 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 age 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 pre-book?

We would highly recommend pre-booking to avoid disappointment. However, 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?

Please 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 for our gear?

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 – make sure these are in a large big bag, just encase.

Do we pay a deposit to book?

Upon booking we take payment in full, this reserves your spaces. You will then receive a confirmation email which will inform you of 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.

faqs