The River Wye
Our meadows run down to the south bank, at a slow bend with a long shingle spit. Paddlers use us as the first night out of Glasbury or Hay, or as a base for a two or three day trip. Launching, landing and recovery are free if you're staying.
How long it takes to get here
- Glasbury to Lockstersabout 4 hours
- Hay-on-Wye to Lockstersabout 2 hours
- On to Whitney-on-Wyea half day
- On to Bredwardinea full day
to confirm — these are estimates; give me your own figures and I'll use them
- Launching, landing and recovery, free if you're staying
- Vehicle access right down to the water to unload
- Somewhere to leave the boats overnight, where we can see them
- A pitch held for a late arrival if you've had a long day on the water
- Hot showers, which matter more than you'd think
The river is not a swimming pool
It's beautiful and it's shallow over the shingle in summer, and people do swim from the spit. But the Wye rises fast after rain in the Welsh hills, there are cold deep pools on the bends, and there's no lifeguard. Swim at your own risk, keep children with you, and if the water is high or brown, don't.
Check the levels before you set off, and tell us your plan — we'd rather know where you've gone.
Swans, kingfishers, otters if you're up early and patient. The banks here are protected by law, which is why we ask you not to gather wood, move stones or cut back the plants. It's also why the place still looks like this.
Paddling down this month?
Tell me your dates and how many boats. Or ring 07714 720869 — text if I don't pick up.