River Wye – Hoarwithy to Ross-on-Wye Paddle Trail

River Wye – Hoarwithy to Ross-on-Wye Paddle Trail

4-8 hours
Duration
16 miles
Distance
One Way
Easy
Difficulty
HR2 7RE
Start Postcode
HR2 6QH
End Postcode
A. Launch from the steps under the A49 Greyfriars Bridge and turn right.

B. At Bartonsham, almost 2 miles after setting off, head to the right below the railway bridge to negotiate a small rapid.

C. The river is quiet and meandering. A diversion can be taken after 8 miles to explore the River Lugg where it joins the Wye. If you explore the Lugg, upstream after 500 metres you will find the village of Mordiford and the Moon Inn.

D. Reaching Capler Hill you’ll see a steep wooded slope on the left bank. This leads to the double ramparts of Capler Camp, an Iron Age hill fort.

E. Towards the end of the trail (14 miles), encounter Carey Island rapids. A simple grade 1 rapid, normally recommended to be taken on the right.

F.  Finish your journey 100 metres below Hoarwithy bridge on the right hand bank. At low water there is a beach and steps leading up a steep bank to Tresseck Farm Campsite. You could also use the Paddle UK owned Toll Paddock at Hoarwithy. The site is run and maintained by dedicated volunteers. Wild camping is allowed here, strictly by prior arrangement. Paddlers wishing to make use of the land must contact [email protected] in advance.

G. Alternatively, land on the left bank, about a quarter of a mile downstream of the bridge, with prior permission from Lower Ruxton Farm.

Discover More

This is part of a full Wye Paddle Trail. Check it out by visiting here.

Licence Information

The waterways on this trail do not require you to have a licence to paddle on them. However, if you paddle regularly and want to explore more places to paddle, you could consider becoming a member of Paddle UK. You’ll get a whole range of benefits as an On The Water member, including an annual licence to paddle on 4,500km of Britain’s waterways, liability insurance, and great discounts on paddling related products. Join today at www.paddleuk.org.uk 

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Safety Information

We want you to have fun and a safe paddle! Here are some helpful tips to ensure you paddle responsibly and stay safe on your journey. Please take a moment to review these important safety tips:

– Always wear a correctly sized buoyancy aid

– Carry a mobile phone – in a waterproof case

– Tell Someone Where You’re Going

– Check the weather and conditions

– Know your limits

Check out some useful blogs and e-learnings on how to keep safe

Water Safety

Navigation eLearning

Tides eLearning

Weather eLearning

Environment

Wherever and however you paddle, our Paddlers’ Code helps to ensure we can all enjoy and share the water safely and protect our precious environment.

Don’t get sick doing what you love. We know water quality is a concern for many paddlers. Click here for some simple advice on water quality and how to protect yourself.

Get informed, stay safe and make good decisions by checking the National Storm Overflow Map

Paddlers can play a vital role in keeping our waters free of harmful non-native species. It is crucial you Check, Clean and Dry you boat and equipment to prevent the spread. Click here for more information on Invasive Non-Native Species.

For more environmental advice and guidance, see our Blue Space Blogs section on the Paddle UK website.

Video