GUIDE TO THE RIVER WYE

(Hereford to Ross on Wye)

NAME OF RIVER: River Wye.

WHERE IS IT?: Hereford to Ross. Map.

PUT-INS/ TAKEOUTS: Hereford SO510395 in park south of river 5 miles to - Camping site at Holme Lacy (ask permission but should be no problem) SO567366 7 miles to - campsite at Hoarwithy (ask permission but should be no problem) SO548290 10 miles to - Ross SO597242 marked on OS Explorer as Canoe Launch.

APPROX LENGTH: Total 22 miles for this stretch.

TIME NEEDED: 1 day Hereford to Hoarwithy, 1 day thence to Ross, but young fit people could do it in one day.

ACCESS HASSLES: Public navigation.

WATER LEVEL INDICATORS: Variable with shallows.

GRADING: I placid in absence of serious rainfall in Welsh mountains.

MAJOR HAZARDS/ FALLS: We wouldnt want to do it in flood conditions.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A more open valley and more fields than the classic parts at Symonds Yat, but even more exaggerated meanders. Almost deserted we actually took 3 days over this stretch and saw 2 canoes and one fisherman.

OTHER NOTES: Downstream only, but taxi firms in Ross and Hereford are used to the idea of heading out into deep country, to take you back to pick up the car.

More classic paddling, downstream of Ross.

CONTRIBUTED BY: David Wilson.