Half-Day Self-Guided Canoe Trip on the River Wye

All our canoes have two fixed seats with an optional clip-in seat for a third person. Some of our larger family canoes can accommodate 2 adults and up to 2 smaller children, but it’s best not to overload the boat.

This is one of our most frequently asked questions and often one of the most difficult to answer as we operate under strict ratios based on the following numbers;

• Ages 4 to 11 – one adult per child
• Ages 12 to 15 – two children per adult
• Ages 16 to 17 – three children per adult

So, if your child is under the age of 4, I’m afraid we can’t accommodate you.

If your children are under 12, there’s a strict ratio of 1 adult per child.

We ask you to meet us at Tresseck campsite where you can safely park your car.  From there we will transport you to the start point upstream and you will paddle back to your car. 

Loose, lightweight clothing is recommended and as for footwear, trainers, aqua boots or full sandals. As we all know British weather can be unpredictable!

When the sun is out it can be very hot on the river, so please dress accordingly to minimise the risk of heat stroke and sunburn. A waterproof and windproof layer as well as some layers to add or remove warmth as the sun can be strong but the wind can be cold, especially in spring/autumn.

Please do not wear wellington boots, flip flops or jeans and lastly, please don’t wear anything you’re not prepared to get splashed!

Lots of fluids, snacks or a picnic.

High factor sunscreen is highly recommended as well as sunglasses & a hat; it can get very bright on the river when it’s sunny!

Be prepared for the classic British summer and bring a top to keep you warm & dry. We always recommend that you bring a full change of clothes just in case  you get wet. 

We provide waterproof storage for all your belongings, there is no need to bring the kitchen sink but you will have plenty of space for clothing and food so please bring plenty along.

Mobile phone & data coverage on the river is minimal but you may find some along the way and at hotspots such as Hereford & Ross-On-Wye. Take the opportunity to relax on the river, switch off from the outside world and ignore those notifications!

For your safety, we operate a zero-tolerance to alcohol on the river.  Anyone found under the influence of alcohol or any other substances will not be permitted to hire or participate. We do not allow alcohol to be taken on your trip and reserve the right to confiscate it until your return.

If you’d like to enjoy a drink, please do so responsibly once your canoe adventure is complete – you may well find us in the pub when we’re done for the day too!

We would recommend that you don’t take anything expensive and/or sentimental in the canoe with you (but kids & dogs are fine!). Wet hands are slippy and we would hate for you to lose or damage any valuables as we can accept no responsibility for this. 

If you have to take a valuable with you e.g. your phone, please make sure it is stowed away in a waterproof container and be extra vigilant when you’re using it; even experienced paddlers have lost their phones overboard!

We rarely cancel a trip if it’s raining so make sure you bring the right kit to stay warm and dry. Once you’re out on the river, you won’t even notice!

Your safety is paramount to us and in extreme weather conditions or if the river level is unsuitable, sadly we won’t be able to operate and will contact you in the hope we can get you out on the river again as soon as possible.

Yes, smaller, well-behaved dogs are very welcome to come along. The larger the dog, the greater the weight that moves around randomly in the canoe, which causes instability and heightens the chance of capsising. The same applies to more active or excitable dogs that are constantly moving or tend to jump out to swim.

We have dozens of dogs that successfully canoe every month, so it comes down to a personal judgement call.

We don’t provide buoyancy aids for canine companions as we’ve never yet met one who can’t swim. We ask that your dog is never tied to your canoe in case they become tangled in the unlikely event of a capsize.