A great paddle to experience the scenic beauty and diverse wildlife of the river, which meandered through picturesque countryside and historic towns.
The river offered a variety of paddling experiences, from gentle flatwater stretches to sections with gentle rapids and fast-moving water, including the grade 2 rapid at Symonds Yat.
The Expedition Aims
This was the third time in the last 10 years that the Club has paddled the 88 miles from Glasbury to Bigsweir, but the first time as a single journey. Previous trips have taken place over a number of weekends. The expedition aimed to provide a relaxed daily paddle with overnight campsites in a variety of locations from city centre (with all associated amenities) to remote riverside fields with more basic camping facilities. An expedition for any craft and any ability.
The Paddling
Day 1 and nothing went to plan. Torrential rain on the previous two days had caused the river to rise dramatically. All the hire companies were off the water and the local advice was that the combination of very fast flowing water into partially submerged trees was a significant risk for even our experienced team of paddlers. So the day was spent exploring Hay on Wye, visiting the local eateries and enjoying an evening meal from the local pub / mobile pizza van.
The following day the water levels had dropped over half a metre and we decided to attempt the long paddle to our second planned campsite at Bycross Farm, a distance of 22 miles. Those who thought this was going to be a long paddle were proved wrong, 4.5 hours later (including a stop or two) we arrived at our destination.
Over the following days the river continued to fall to normal summer levels, but good flow enabled us to enjoy a relaxed paddle through woodland, steep valleys, picturesque villages and the occasional riffle of excitement.
For a while we tried to imitate the Red Arrows by doing some formation paddling, arrow heads, wings, diamonds etc. No one fancied attempting a barrel roll!
As we progressed south the temperatures rose, 29C brought out sun hats, sun screen and ice creams when available. The river became busy around Symonds Yat with groups and individuals in a variety of craft and costume.
Finally, Bigsweir Bridge was reached, the end of our journey and the most arduous of portages. Up the steep river bank, through the nettles, across and field, lift over the gate and a walk down the road to the layby where the waiting bus / trailer from Hereford canoes picked us up. At least it wasn’t raining !
The Team
A team of seven (Ian, Jane, Phil, Caroline, Carol, Bill, Sian) completed the whole journey and were joined by Gary, Wendy and Fern for day 1, (which unfortunately did not happen), Anne for the first 4 days and Rob for the final day. Ian and Jane were also joined by an uninvited guest in their tent for the final night at Symonds Yat – was it a frog or a toad ?
The Campsites
On future trips when booking a riverside campsite we will ask how far away from the water our pitch will be. Tipi Adventures allocated us a lovely spot furthest from the water, but they did provide wheel barrows.At Bycross Farm we camped in the orchard, Tresseck Farm, next to the water, bar, burger bar and leather sofas under an awning all added to the relaxed summer evening with friends.
Lucksall and Hereford were good sites. Symonds Yat on a Saturday night…….a different world.
At least we have safety in numbers (quote from Jane)
The Food
A combination of dehydrated meals, pizza van and fish & chip shops had been our stapple diet before arriving in Hereford on the 4th evening. So you might expect the group to head off into the City in search of some ‘fine dining’ ? The rowing Club campsite with picnic benches next to the river and a salad from Asda was all we required, although some of us did partake is a bottle or two of Dunkerton’s Dry Cider (6.8% ) carried away from Bycross Farm the previous night.Before leaving Hereford we worked together on a Club breakfast, Carol frying sausages, Bill ‘the bacon’ and Ian & Jane frying the eggs. Breakfast for 7 produced with 3 small burners tasted great.
The Recommendation
Go and paddle the Wye. Each day is different as the river heads south, through farm land, woods and the gorges around Symonds Yat. It’s a great river, at summer levels well within the ability of any Club paddler. Talk nicely to the hire companies and they will probably provide a shuttle service to get you back to your car at the end of the day.
