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Return to Canoe Hire Page. Which Waterway? If you are a complete beginner, choose a placid waterway, such as Monmouthshire & Brecon Canal, or book a 'River Awareness Day' on which you will learn how to recogise and avoid common river hazards. If you have some experience, a good understanding of common river hazards, and can confidently steer your canoe in moving water to avoid hazards, most of the Wye below Glasbury and many stretches of the Severn will offer enjoyable but more challenging water at Grade 1+. NB - there are short sections of Grade 2 water on the Wye and a Grade 3 rapid on the Severn near Ironbridge.   How far to paddle? Unless you are experienced, we recommend that you do not attempt more than 10-15 miles per day. Take into account the time of year, as you will need to complete the distance more quickly when there are less daylight hours. Our web pages for each river list the camp sites, B&B's etc which are beside the river, with distances between. Make sure that you can comfortably reach your overnight stopping points. It is advisable to book your accommodation, including camp sites, in advance. At peak times, it may be full, at off-peak times, it may be closed! Do not expect to be able to camp anywhere other than recognised sites. Many landowners object strongly to trespass.   What to Take? You need to be self-sufficient on the river. Make sure you have personal clothing to deal with a change in the weather. including waterproof jacket and trousers; and spare warm clothing (even in summer). For day trips take spare food and drink. On extended trips, take enough food for the whole trip. Where shops, inns, etc are listed, they may have unexpected closing times, so don't rely on them as your only source of food and drink. Most camp sites do NOT have shops. Make sure you have sufficient fuel for camping stoves - you are unlikely to be able to buy fuel once you have set off on your trip. Please DO NOT take glass bottles, jars etc. on the river. They are likely to break and if they do, they are a danger to you, other river users and wildlife. Plan for disposal of refuse. There are very few places in rural areas where refuse can be disposed of. Take sufficient bags for refuse (preferably environmentally-friendly plastic) and be prepared to take your refuse away. Please recycle where possible. Remember all personal requisites: medication, sunscreen, insect repellent...   Being Prepared There are many places where mobile 'phones do not work. Make sure you know the direction of the nearest road, 'phone box etc, from each section along the river. Check which OS maps you will need for your trip. Some sections of water need more than one. Make sure you have secure waterproof containers for mobile 'phones, electronic car keys etc.   IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR CANOEISTS Rivers change constantly and may rise rapidly in wet weather. Where rapids or weirs are marked, these are the particularly significant ones. There may be numerous small rapids, weirs and other hazards along the route; you are advised to be sure of your ability before hiring canoes and/or kayaks, and to proceed on the river with due caution. Much of the river is remote and hire is completely unsupervised. You are responsible for your own safety on the river. If you are unsure of your ability, a River Awareness Day may be of interest to you. Other, larger, craft will be operating on some sections along the river. Canoeists should be aware of the Waterways Code. River levels can be obtained by telephoning the Environment Agency River Line 09066 197755.

Contact

Home Page

Frequently Asked Questions

Types of Craft for Hire

Trip Planning Advice

Policy Statements: Environmental; Ethical Trading; Welsh Language; Access statement.

Availability

Prices