River Wye trip - Bycross Fm to Monmouth

[JMB79]

Hi,

Weather permitting I’m heading down from Scotland with my wife and two kids to do a 5 day trip in canoe and SUP from Byecrosd Fm to Monmouth. Just wondering if anyone knows what the current water levels are like and any hints/tips for this trip.

Thanks,

Jamie

[Chris Bolton]

River level, see https://riverlevels.uk/herefordshire-br ... ardine-lvl

That's about 5km upstream of Bycross. It's low, currently 0.21m, compared to a normal of 0.21 to 3.8.

Where are you planning for overnight stops? Unfortunately England & Wales don't have the access rights that Scotland has. Hoarworthy and Welsh Bicknor YHA are good sites, Hereford Rowing Club is usable but not as good.

[JMB79]

Thanks for that, that is low. Stupid question but how low is too low to paddle? The fin on the bottom of the paddle board is 0.21m! Also my canoe is fibreglass so I don't really want to be scraping all the way down river!

Planning on staying at the following campsites:

Byecross Farm campsite.
Hereford Rowing Club.
Tresseck Farm at Hoarthy.
Ross Rowing Club or White Lion Inn.
River Wye Camping at Symonds Yet.
Wye Tipi Camping at Monmouth.

My understanding is that they are all right on the river so easy access? Ive not booked any yet as I was waiting to see what the weather is doing and if the river levels are ok.

[Chris Bolton]

I've not paddled it at low levels, but I suspect you'll be scrapping. I've used the first 3 sites you mention and they are indeed all on the river, I don't know about the others. If I remember right, Bycross has quite a steep bank to pull the boats up, Tresseck certainly does. The rowing clubs have good steps.

[G7AFM]

There are a few places you will scrape so you need to be mindful of the fin.

[JMB79]

Ok thanks both of you for the advice, much appreciated.