Spend a full day paddling down the historic River Wye with Wye Valley Canoes. Journey through Hay-on-Wye’s literary charm, unwind in the English countryside, and finish at a riverside pub for a well-earned drink.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–5 hours
Fitness Level
Good general fitness needed for sustained paddling and balance in the canoe.
Wildlife
History
The River Wye has been a key transport and trade route since Roman times and plays a central role in the region's cultural heritage.
Conservation
Wye Valley Canoes supports local river conservation efforts, encouraging low-impact paddling and the protection of native species.
Wye Valley Canoes
Spend a full day paddling down the historic River Wye with Wye Valley Canoes. Journey through Hay-on-Wye’s literary charm, unwind in the English countryside, and finish at a riverside pub for a well-earned drink.
Wye Valley Canoes is a Brecon, Wales based canoe operator offering guided and self-guided experiences on the River Wye. The business provides a range of options from Half Day Canoe Hire and Full Day Canoe Hire to multi-day camping expeditions, including named routes for 2 Day, 3 Day, 4 Day (approximately 50 miles) and 5 Day (approximately 60 miles) itineraries.
Trips begin at locations such as Glasbury and Brecon Theatre and finish at accessible points like Hay-on-Wye, Pencelli and Talybont-on-Usk. Multi-day itineraries travel long stretches of the River Wye, with some routes reaching Hereford and passing through the Herefordshire countryside. Shorter hires explore the upper Wye between Glasbury and Hay-on-Wye and feature paddling through orchards, gentle rapids and tranquil swimming spots.
Selected canal trips include Brecon Canal Basin to Pencelli and Brecon to Talybont-on-Usk, both offering views of Pen Y Fan and an aqueduct over the River Usk, and scheduled lunch or refreshment stops such as the Royal Oak in Pencelli. Several itineraries note riverside pubs and riverside camping. Transport arrangements return paddlers to their vehicles when required, and structured itineraries provide clear start and finish points to help visitors plan their canoeing on the River Wye.
Base Location
Brecon, Wales
Central start point on the River Wye
Trip Durations
Half day–5 days
Options for all schedules
Scenic Routes
River Wye
Views of Pen Y Fan and countryside
Tours Offered
9 trips
From hires to multi-day expeditions
Select a Half Day, Full Day or Multi-Day expedition and book a scenic canoe experience from Brecon.
Arrive Early for Briefing
Check in at 09:30 to receive your kit and safety briefing to get the most out of your day.
Pack Layers and Waterproofs
Weather on the Wye can shift; bring a warm jumper and waterproofs to stay comfortable if you get wet.
Bring Sunscreen and Hydration
Although shaded in parts, exposed stretches on the river require sunscreen and plenty of water to stay protected and energized.
Keep at Least One Mobile Phone Per Boat
For safety, a mobile phone is required per canoe to maintain communication on the river.
Waterproof jacket
Protects against sudden spring rains and keeps you dry while on the river.
spring
Sunhat and Sunscreen
Vital for shielding skin and eyes during extended exposure on open stretches of river.
summer
Layered clothing
Allows adjusting warmth as temperatures shift during autumn paddling.
fall
Thermal base layers
Keep your core temperature up during cold weather paddling on the Wye.
winter