RIVER WYE
ROSS-ON-WYE TO SYMONDS YAT PADDLE GUIDE
This is one of the most rewarding sections of the River Wye, combining easy-flowing river paddling, small rapids, historic landmarks, wooded valleys and some of the most dramatic scenery in the Wye Valley.
Starting from Ross-on-Wye Rowing Club, this 14-mile downstream journey takes you beneath Wilton Bridge, past Goodrich Castle and through the increasingly wooded landscape around Kerne Bridge, Lydbrook and Welsh Bicknor before arriving at Symonds Yat West.
For this Paddle With Tom route, the plan is to stay overnight at Ross-on-Wye Rowing Club, launch directly from the club and finish at the River Wye Caravan & Camping Park at Symonds Yat West, using its river access point.
THE ROUTE
Click on the items along the route for more info and what3word links.
KEY PADDLE
INFO
DISTANCE
Approximately 22.5km / 14 miles
JOURNEY TIME
4.5 hours paddling for a steady kayak paddle. Allow longer for breaks
DIFFICULTY
Easy - Moderate
WATER TYPE
Non-tidal river
NAVIGATION AUTHORITY
Environment Agency
SUITABLE FOR
Kayaks, Canoes, SUPs
CURRENT
Generally flowing, but can increase significantly after rainfall. Some areas have faster water
BEST SEASON TO PADDLE
Spring-Autumn
SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS?
Yes, with suitable experience and weather conditions
WATERWAYS GUIDE:
PLANNER
STAYING AT ROSS-ON-WYE ROWING CLUB
Ross Rowing Club & Campsite is directly beside the River Wye and provides camping facilities immediately next to the launch point.
It also provides dedicated river access for canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.
The club currently states that its dedicated river access ramp costs £3.50 for non-camping users, while overnight camping bookings include the relevant access.
Parking is available for £6 per 24 hours for non-camping visitors. Check the club’s current booking information before travelling.
The club also provides toilets and shower facilities for campers, although access arrangements can be affected by rowing activities.
GETTING OUT AT SYMONDS YAT.
River Wye Caravan and Camping at Symonds Yat West as the recommended finish for this route.
The campsite’s own website lists canoe hire, river cruises, riverside picnic areas, food, an on-site bar and other facilities.
RIVER CHARACTER
ROSS-ON-WYE → WILTON BRIDGE
-
Town / rowing / open river
-
Rowing activity
-
Bridges
-
Small rapids
-
More developed surroundings
WILTON BRIDGE → GOODRICH
-
Fast-flowing countryside
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* Small rapids
-
* Rural landscape
-
* Open valley
-
* Good wildlife
GOODRICH → KERNE BRIDGE
-
Wooded Wye Valley
-
Goodrich Castle
-
Increasingly wooded
-
Faster water
-
Scenic bends
KERNE BRIDGE → LYDBROOK
-
More adventurous
-
Faster flow
-
Wooded banks
-
Lydbrook Rapid
-
Picnic/access point
LYDBROOK → WELSH BICKNOR
-
Quiet and wooded
-
Wildlife
-
Fishing
-
Forest scenery
-
More secluded
WELSH BICKNOR → SYMONDS YAT WEST
-
Dramatic Wye Valley
-
Yat Rock
-
Increasing tourist activity
-
Pleasure boats
-
Busy Symonds Yat
Finish before the rapids
LICENSE REQUIRED?
NO
The River Wye is different from many English rivers because the Environment Agency recognises a public right of navigation between Hay Bridge and Chepstow, but that does not automatically give paddlers a right to access every riverbank.
You should use recognised access points or obtain permission where required.
Always check the latest access arrangements and any local requirements before travelling.
MOBILE PHONE
SIGNAL
Mobile coverage is generally reasonable around Ross-on-Wye and the main tourist areas, but the wooded sections of the Wye Valley can have weaker or intermittent signal.
Do not rely solely on a mobile phone for navigation or emergency communication.
Download your route/map before leaving.
HISTORIC HIGHLIGHTS
Wilton Castle
Medieval castle ruins visible from the river near Ross-on-Wye.
Goodrich Castle
The major historic landmark on the route, prominently visible above the river.
Symonds Yat Rock
The high escarpment and historic landscape around Symonds Yat become visible as you approach the Yat.
The Doward
The dramatic wooded limestone/sandstone cliffs and slopes surrounding the river, forming part of a landscape with prehistoric and later historic occupation.
RIVER CONDITION / WARNINGS
WEATHER AND FLOW
TOM'S TOP TIPS
WATERPROOF SHOES
Be prepared to get out at times when it is shallow. Make sure you have waterproof shoes with good grips.
TAKE EAR PLUGS
If staying at Ross-on-Wye camp site the A40 is very loud so take ear plugs.
TAKE PLENTY OF WATER
There is no where riverside to refill water on the route so take plenty.
RIVER WYE RELATED WEBSITES
CANOE THE WYE
Canoe hire for individuals or groups. Well worth a visit.
RIVER WYE CANOE HIRE
Canoe hire for individuals or groups.
PLACES TO STAY
Ross Rowing Club Camp site
This is where we stayed the night before the trip.
River Wye Camp site (Symonds Yat West)
This is where we took the kayak out. They charge a landing fee of £2 per craft. We didn't stay here though.
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