Rannoch’s grand day out on the River Wye

Last week I joined a couple of old friends Ken and Cilve for a trip from Glasbury to Hay on the River Wye in South Wales

The River Wye (Afon Gwy) is the fifth longest river in the UK and for parts of its length forms the border between England and Wales. Its source is in the Welsh mountains near Plynlimon and it is around 215 km in length. It flows through or near several towns and villages in South Wales including Rhayader, Builth Wells, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, Symonds Yat and Monmouth finally meeting the Severn estuary just below Chepstow. Due to its slow flow it is a popular venue for canoeing especially for introducing beginners  (grade 1-2), and hence the large number of local centers that use it. There also numerous company’s offering the hire of boats.

The area of Symonds Yat offers some more challenging paddling and the sections above Glasbury offer some good grade 3-4 rapids in the right conditions. This particular section from Glasbury to Hay is around 10 km in length and could be done in a couple of hours.

I was also accompanied on the day by trusted hound Rannoch. He is a five year old Springer Spaniel who just loves it in the canoe. He is real muck magnet, trust me when I say I could take him to the desert and he would find both mud and water! Inevitably the inside of my boat always ends up wet and very dirty. He doesn’t always get the chance to come on trips with me, but today was different. He is generally quite good in the boat and can be very useful addition for adjusting the trim when needed.

The rivers winds its way through the country side at a leisurely pace with the Black Mountains as a majestic back drop.

Despite the slow and tranquil flow of the river, some care should be taken as there are numerous dead and living trees in the river, forming quite large strainers. Carrying a folding saw is always a good idea.

Th river has changed shape quite dramatically since I last paddled it a few years ago, with one large sweeping bend near the start now being replaced by a straight section. There are numerous opportunities to leave the main river and explore some the tributaries that join it. Good time to get the poles out me thinks!

After a short stop for lunch we continued on our way. The weather had by now really improved and the sun was warming us nicely.

As we rounded a corner that led to a long straight the sun disappeared and it started to rain. In fact it started to pour down, so much so the rain was bouncing back up!

Then almost as quickly as it started, it stopped. We continued on our way past an old broken weir and on to the get out.

The get out is directly after the bridge in Hay on river right. This can be quite busy with other users, especially groups.

I’m not sure if I have really done this trip a justice? It really is a great day out whether you’re looking for a relaxing days paddle or as a venue for introducing people to open canoe. The trip can be extended as much as you like or done as a multi day trip all the way to Chepstow. Wild camping is not really option but there are a number of campsites along the way, and pubs offering fine ales and good food. So if you haven’t done it yet, add it to your to do list.

I had a grand day out and so did Rannoch. Thanks to Ken and Clive for their company.

See you on the water…

Jules

www.voyageur-coaching.co.uk