5-Mile Canoe Trip in Hay-on-Wye with Want to Canoe?
Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; basic paddling ability recommended
Overview
Paddle 5 miles on the serene Wye River from Hay-on-Wye with Want to Canoe? Spot kingfishers and otters, enjoy a riverside café break, and soak up the Welsh countryside on this half-day canoe trip.
Half Day Canoe Hire (5 Miles)
£35 per person • ages 5+ • 3 hours • Most popular!
Select participants and date
About This Adventure
Embark on a captivating 5-mile canoe journey from the charming town of Hay-on-Wye, renowned for its literary festival. Paddle through stunning landscapes teeming with wildlife, including kingfishers and otters. Enjoy a refreshing stop at a riverside café before a convenient shuttle back, making this adventure truly unforgettable.
Duration: 2 - 3 hours
Our Half-day canoe trip (2-3hrs) is a stunning 5 mile paddle, starting in the picturesque town of Hay-on-Wye.
Often described as "the town of books”, Hay is home to the famous literary festival. The Hay-Whitney paddle is a diverse and exciting stretch with an abundance of kingfishers, otters, sand martins, herons and leaping salmon. If you’re going to canoe the Wye, there’s no better a place to start than our home stretch!
Highlights
- Our Half- day trips start with a kit out and safety briefing at our site in Hay. This takes approximately 30 minutes to ensure you guys are prepped and ready for your adventure! Once on the water, you can expect to see a number of spectacular and fascinating characters in their natural habitats, including kingfishers, herons, cormorants, swans and otters – all from the prime viewpoint of your canoe.
- The 5 mile paddle starting from Hay, takes approximately 2-3 hours, finishing at the historic Whitney Toll Bridge. There is a beautiful riverside cafe/restaurant that we certainly recommend popping in for a refreshment or lunch prior to catching one of our shuttles back to our site in Hay.
The trip includes
- Hire of the canoe
- Buoyancy aids and paddles
- Barrels and dry bags
- Free parking (you are welcome to leave your car and explore Hay-on-Wye when you finish your trip)
- Complimentary transport from the finish point, back to your vehicles (last shuttle from Whitney-on-Wye back to Hay-on-Wye is 6pm)
Adventure Tips
Wear quick-drying clothes
Expect to get splashed—lightweight, moisture-wicking fabrics make the trip more comfortable.
Bring waterproof storage for valuables
Protect phones, wallets, and cameras from water exposure during the paddle.
Arrive early for briefing
The shuttle and safety briefings start promptly to keep the trip on schedule—don't miss out.
Be wildlife conscious
Maintain distance from otters and kingfishers to avoid disturbing their habitat.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Kingfishers
- European otters
History
The Wye Valley has supported settlements since Roman times and was historically part of a key trade route between Wales and England.
Conservation
Local efforts prioritize preserving the river’s clean water and habitats to ensure a thriving ecosystem and minimal human impact.
Select participants and date
Adventure Hotspots in Hereford
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof dry bag
Keeps essentials dry while on the water.
Paddle gloves
Protect hands from blisters and cold during longer paddles.
fall|winter specific
Layered clothing
Easy to adjust for changing weather on the river.
Biodegradable sunscreen
Protects skin without harming the river’s ecosystem.
spring|summer|fall specific