River Wye – Symonds Yat to Redbrook Paddle Trail (7)

River Wye – Symonds Yat to Redbrook Paddle Trail (7)

4.5 - 7 hours
Duration
14 miles
Distance
One Way
Easy
Difficulty
HR9 7BT
Start Postcode
HR9 6JL
End Postcode
A. Launch and turn left. After 500 metres reach Wilton Bridge; take the centre arch, then keep to the right of the island just downstream. After the bridge you will encounter a series of rapids with some waves that will hold your attention.

B. After 5 miles look out for Goodrich Castle, high on the right-hand bank. 1 mile later approach Kerne Bridge - don’t launch/land here. Immediately below the bridge fast water and strong currents can push you into trees. At low water levels there’s a gravel bank below the bridge, from which you can inspect. 800m below the bridge, on the left, is a landing with steps to a picnic site and car park.

C. Two miles further, on a sharp right-hand bend, is Lydbrook rapid. Rounding the bend you will see an island on the right; keep to the left of the island. Lower Lydbrook village, picnic site, and toilets (concrete steps for access) are on the left just after the rapids.

D. After another half a mile reach Welsh Bicknor, with its youth hostel, on the right bank. Please pass quietly through this important fishing stretch.

E. The river makes its way around Yat Rock and down to Symonds Yat; a popular and busy area. There is a charge for landing and launching here. Make sure you know where your finish point is; Symonds Yat has an East and a West on opposite banks.

F. Symonds Yat West has launching and landing from the steps on the right-hand bank, about 1km upstream of the rapids. There is a car park and a small passenger-carrying pleasure boat is also based here. Landing at Ye Olde Ferrie Inn on the right bank requires permission.

G. At Symonds Yat East there’s a cable ferry for crossing the river. Landing and launching from the steps on the left bank at the Wyedean Canoe Centre.

H. Immediately after Symonds Yat East there is a grade two rapid, which can be inspected from the cycle path on the left bank. Large waves in the lower parts and congestion are possible. If you overshoot your get-out, the rapid will take you a long way downstream!

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.

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