The Canoe Access on the River Wye

The River Wye is notable for its canoeing and kayaking.  A public right of navigation runs from Hay Town Bridge downstream to where the Wye joins the Severn below Chepstow.  The dramatic scenery of the Wye Valley encourages many thousands of canoeists annually.  The Wye Valley AONB is particularly popular, especially between Kerne Bridge and Monmouth, where the river flows a dramatic course through the Wye Gorge revealing cliffs, woodland, abundant wildlife and a wealth of historical heritage features.

Admiring the local swans from our boats

General guidance for all river users:

• Be courteous to all other river users at all times.
• Look after the environment - avoid damaging the banks and bankside vegetation.
• Take special care not to disturb beds of waterweed and gravel beds.
• Avoid dragging equipment over rock slab and boulders.
• Don’t disturb birds or wildlife - keep clear of nesting birds, areas important for breeding fish, and salient otter sites.
• Protect native species and habitats – use dry or disinfected equipment if used in other freshwater bodies.
• Don’t trespass on private banks or moorings.
• Never throw rubbish into the river or leave it on the banks.
• Park sensibly without causing obstruction.
• Get changed out of public view.
• Be patient with those new to a sport.
• Be as quiet as possible - don't spoil the enjoyment of others.
• Be friendly and polite to local residents and try to avoid arguments.
• Competitors and organisers should take into account the effects on other river users.
• Event organisers should display warning notices at each end of a stretch of river being used for competitions.
• Observe the countryside code and have regard for others' property.

A quick break on a bridge arch, what we think to be one of the more ingenius places to stop.

General guidance for boaters

• All boaters must use the river in a safe fashion and have appropriate safety equipment.
• Park vehicles and trailers responsibly so that they do not cause a nuisance.
• Don’t land on gravel shoals and islands between 1 April and 31 July when birds may be nesting.
• Avoid trampling and launching / landing on or near sensitive otter sites
• From October to April inclusive, trampling and launching on gravels used by salmon and trout may damage unhatched eggs and young fry. This is of particular concern upstream of Glasbury and when the water level is low.
• Groups of young and inexperienced boaters should be led by a suitably experienced responsible person – preferably a qualified instructor.
• When boating in a group try to keep together, especially when passing anglers.
• Upper Wye access agreement - there is a public right to navigation downstream of Hay-on-Wye, and on the upper river there are a number of negotiated access points for canoeing. Details can be found at: www.wyeuskfoundation.org/navigation.

A quite spot for lunch

Guidance for boating near anglers

• Look out for all anglers. Whilst assuring your own safety keep a good distance from them and avoid their lines.
• Pass anglers quickly and quietly, creating as little disturbance as possible and do not loiter in fishing pools.
• Keep well clear of wading anglers or anglers in boats and leave enough room in front and behind for them to cast.
• Comply with any signals anglers make to indicate whether they wish you to pass by or to wait a moment. Hail if you think your approach has not been noticed. Please leave the water if an Environment Agency Officer asks you to.
• Fishing from a boat is not allowed unless you have a valid rod licence and permission from the owner/tenant of the fishery rights. If you are boating upstream of Hay-on-Wye you also need permission from the riparian owner.
• The following descriptions can help you identify the various types of fishing and how best to share the river with anglers:
• Types of fishing:
• Coarse fishing - These anglers are often seen with an umbrella. Look out of the float 5-10m out and try to avoid their area called a ‘swim’.
• Fly fishing - Usually standing, wading or on bank. Avoid area opposite and, as they keep moving downstream, avoid downstream in particular. Watch out for end of line.
• Game / fly fishing - Sometimes best to paddle behind them after acknowledgement.
• Fishing seasons:
• Salmon and Sea Trout - 3 March to 17 October, except above Llanwrthwl Bridge where the season runs from 3 March to 25 October.
• Non Migratory Trout - 3 March to 30 September.
• Coarse - 16 June to 14 March

Eating up the miles as we paddle on, on the first day

Sourced and amended by Will, from: environment-agency.gov.uk