Where Is the Best Place to Canoe on the River Wye?
The River Wye is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful canoeing rivers in the UK, but if you ask locals, experienced paddlers and returning visitors where the very best section is, the answer is often the same — the Upper Wye, particularly from Glasbury down to Hay-on-Wye.
At Wye Valley Canoes, we are lucky enough to operate on what many consider the most scenic stretch of the entire river. Launching from Glasbury, paddlers are surrounded by the stunning backdrop of the Black Mountains, rolling Welsh countryside and one of the most peaceful and wildlife-rich sections of the Wye.
Why the Upper Wye Is the Best Stretch for Canoeing
The section from Glasbury to Hay-on-Wye offers a completely different feel to the lower river. It is quieter, more open, more natural and incredibly scenic. With the Black Mountains rising above the valley and the river winding gently through the Welsh landscape, it feels remote and untouched in places.
This stretch is particularly popular with:
- Families looking for a safe and scenic paddle
- First-time canoeists
- Wildlife lovers and photographers
- Experienced paddlers wanting a peaceful day on the river
- Private paddlers launching their own canoes and kayaks
The Upper Wye is also known for its abundance of wildlife. It is common to spot kingfishers, herons, red kites, otters and a huge variety of river and bird life along the journey.
River Health and Bathing Water Quality at Hay-on-Wye
The Upper Wye around Hay-on-Wye has continued to receive positive attention regarding bathing water monitoring and river quality. Reports linked to the bathing water status at Hay-on-Wye have consistently shown this section of river to be in excellent health compared to many other parts of the UK.
For paddlers, swimmers and families, this is incredibly important. One of the reasons so many people love canoeing from Glasbury to Hay is because the river here still feels wild, clean and alive.
Recommended by the Environment Agency for Lower River Levels
The Environment Agency’s Wye Navigation guidance particularly recommends the Glasbury to Hay-on-Wye section during lower river conditions due to its deeper natural channels.
This makes the Upper Wye one of the more reliable sections of the river to paddle when water levels are lower elsewhere. The natural depth and flow of the river through this stretch allow paddlers to continue enjoying the river safely and responsibly across a wider range of conditions.
At Wye Valley Canoes, we monitor river conditions daily and provide guidance to both hire customers and private paddlers before launching.
Launching from Glasbury — Private Launch Permit Backed by NRW
One of the major advantages of paddling with Wye Valley Canoes is that we operate from a private launch in Glasbury under a permit backed by Natural Resources Wales.
This allows both our canoe hire customers and private paddlers to launch directly from our riverside base.
Private canoeists, kayakers and paddleboarders are welcome to get in touch and arrange launching from Glasbury using our permitted access point. There is no river level limit attached to our launch permit. As long as paddlers are respectful, responsible and considerate of others using the river, they are welcome to launch throughout the year.
Additional Launch Access at Ty Rhosyn Campsite
On particularly busy days, when we have reached our allocated numbers under our permit, private paddlers can still access the river from the campsite next door to us at Ty Rhosyn Campsite.
This means private paddlers can continue to enjoy the Upper Wye alongside our hire customers, even during peak periods.
We work closely with our neighbours to help maintain responsible access to the river while supporting tourism, local businesses and enjoyment of the outdoors in a respectful and sustainable way.
Canoe Hire on the Most Scenic Part of the River Wye
Whether you are planning a short paddle from Glasbury to Hay-on-Wye, a full-day canoe trip, or a multi-day canoe camping adventure, the Upper Wye offers some of the best canoeing anywhere in the UK.
At Wye Valley Canoes, we have been helping people explore this beautiful part of the river for generations. From our private launch in Glasbury, paddlers can experience:
- The stunning scenery of the Black Mountains
- One of the cleanest and healthiest stretches of the River Wye
- Deep natural channels ideal for lower river conditions
- Abundant wildlife and peaceful surroundings
- Flexible launching for both hire customers and private paddlers
If you are looking for the best place to canoe on the River Wye, the answer is simple — the Upper Wye from Glasbury down.