Canoe Access

The River Wye is notable for its exceptional canoeing and kayaking.  A public right of navigation runs from Hay Town Bridge downstream to where the Wye joins the Severn below Chepstow.  The dramatic scenery of the Wye Valley encourages many thousands of canoeists annually.  The Wye Valley AONB is particularly popular, especially between Kerne Bridge and Monmouth, where the river flows a dramatic course through the Wye Gorge revealing cliffs, woodland, abundant wildlife and a wealth of historical heritage features. 

The Wye Valley AONB have been working in close partnership with the Environment Agency, Herefordshire Council and Canoe Hire Opertaors to improve the information that is available for canoeists.  recent publications include the 'Canoeists Code of Conduct' leaflet which aims to reduce the impact that canoeing has on the river environment and other river users.    

A new canoeists' guide book to the Wye Valley called 'Paddling Perfection' has also been produced.  This booklet is a tough waterproof publicaiton that is provided as part of a canoe hire agreement through local hire operators.  It provides useful navigation information as well as interpretation of the landscape, wildlife and heritage features that canoeists will pass on their journey.

Furthermore the project partners are working together to improve access points for canoeists at Ross-on-Wye and Kerne Bridge.  The desire is to upgrade the current faciltiies and provide greater access for people with mobility problems.  New interpretation boards will also be installed at the canoe launches.

Funding for our canoe work has been provided by the Environment Agency, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Advantage West Midlands Natural Assets Programme in partnership with Natural England.  If you require further information please contact Andrew Nixon Wye Valley AONB Development Officer email development@wyevalleyaonb.org.uk