Canoe hire on the river Wye with Wye Valley Canoes

What months of the year are you open?

The canoe centre is open from mid April to mid october - river levels and weather permitting.

How does it work – do we paddle back upstream?

NO! You start here at Glasbury with us and you paddle downstream and then telephone us either from Hay or from the pub or from wherever you get to and we come
and collect you with car and trailer.

Can we take a dog?

YES! If the dog is huge or very active it may make you a bit unstable – but as long as when you pull over on the riverbank dogs do not chase livestock and are kept close by you then they are fine.

Can we camp at the canoe centre the night before?

We have 4 en suite B&B rooms above the cafe but no camping at the Centre. But we can recommend sites close by – just email us and ask for a camping list.

I am very large will I fit into a buoyancy aid/canoe/kayak?

Not usually a problem. Kayaks are sometimes not so suitable if you are very large or very tall – a canoe may be a more stable option. We have buoyancy aids for all sizes. Phone and check with us if in doubt.

How young?

Not under 6 years old. But all children are only safe if the parents are competent! Ideally have a session first before you take children on the water or go with someone who has experience and can look after you. Safety in numbers. Children only suitable at low summer river levels.

Where can we have lunch?

If doing a full days paddling to the pub you can either stop in Hay for lunch or take a picnic and stop anywhere on the riverbank.

Do you have to have proof of competency for kayaking or canoeing?

No. But if you want to take a kayak you really need to go with people who can look after you – someone with some experience of kayaking. Canoeing is safer with more than one canoe so if you get into difficulty there is someone to help you. It's not a good idea to take children unless you have previous experience yourselves.

How long does it take to go to Hay or to the pub?

From being dropped at the canoe centre to returning at the end of the session allow 3 and a half hours from beginning to end if you are paddling to Hay and 5-6 hours if you are paddling to the pub.

Is there somewhere to park?

Parking is very limited at the canoe centre. We suggest you drop off here and then we can either shuttle you to your end destination or point you in the direction of the village hall car park where we have parking.

I want to go off for a few days and camp/B&B?

Email us and ask for a camping list/kit list. This will help a lot! We can collect you after one, two,three or four days on the river.

Can you provide instruction?

Yes! We are AALS licenced – No L7524/R0235 Phone for details.

How many to a canoe?

Ideally 2 adults. Middle seat for child or small person or your kit if you are off on a long trip.

What is the difference between a canoe and a kayak?

A kayak is a small boat for one person only. They are the more closed in type. You paddle them with a double ended paddle. And you get wet! A canoe is a big open Canadian canoe that you paddle with two people usually – a practical and ideally experienced person paddles at the back to do the steering and one person in the front. You paddle with a single ended paddle. A double kayak is ideal for an adult and a child or for the nervous! They are very stable.

Do we need to book?

YES! We get very booked up at weekends. Best to book by phone/email.

Do we need to give you a deposit?

Only if booking 3 or more canoes. This deposit is totally refundable if the levels are too high and we cant put you on the river.

What is it best to wear?

Layers are good. Waterproofs. Lightweight trousers. A wetsuit if kayaking. Not jeans. Very old shoes, ideally neoprene boots, water sandals or old trainers. Nothing fancy. You will get your feet and up to your knees wet definitely. Bring a change of clothes and footwear for afterwards.

Do we take a phone?

Yes but wrap it in plastic and ideally put in a waterproof box before putting it in our of our barrels.

What does your insurance cover?

Our insurance covers you if we give you bad advice or if we give you faulty equipment. If you break your arm on a rock that is down to your own personal insurance.

Is Alcohol permitted?

Alcohol and boats could be lethal. In moderation only. Keep it for the end.

What if the river levels are high?

We start to restrict the type of paddler (e.g. no children if levels up a bit…only experienced etc..) If we are totally off the river we do sometimes go to the Brecon and Monmouthshire Canal which is a very safe option when the river is too high.

Do you give us a safety talk?

Yes. We go through the route with you and give you a map pointing out any hazards. Once you have been kitted up we give you a short introduction to paddling talk, showing you how to steer, what to do in the event of capsize etc.

Where are you?

Approximately 4 miles west of Hay-on-Wye. At least an hour by road from Ross, Symonds Yat and Cardiff. We are located on the bridge at Glasbury-on-Wye. Click here for a map to the Wye Valley Canoe Centre.

Do you give a group discount?

Yes we give a discount for schools, colleges, scouts etc.

What does the hire charge cover?

Canoe or kayak/buoyancy aid/60litre barrels/small drums for kit/waterproof clothing if you have none/map/paddles/return transport.

How do we get to you on public transport?

Take the train to Hereford and then a bus which takes about an hour or a train to Abergavenny then a bus to Brecon and on to Glasbury.