2 Day Trip – Hereford to Ross-on-Wye (28 miles)
The perfect introductory trip
This is our most popular multi-day trip that we operate all season (weather permitting)
A brilliant trip starting in the heart of Hereford, with a full-day canoe through the scenic and peaceful Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Beauty, a convenient overnight stay in the lovely village of Hoarwithy, followed by a leisurely second day's paddle to Ross-on-Wye.
You meet us at our operating base at Tresseck Campsite in Hoarwithy where we'll kit you out, brief you and then transport your launch point right in the heart of the historic Hereford city. After a few minutes familiarisation you pass under the old bridge that dates back to the 12th century, enjoying unique views of the famous Cathedral and the Victorian pedestrian footbridge. Once through the city and the gentle rapids at Hampton Road rise, the site of the Woolhope Dome, a famous limestone outcrop, with its wooded slopes comes into view.
Passing the Bunch of Carrots at Hampton Bishop, a few miles further on you will notice the mouth of the River Lugg joining from your left. It is here that the Mordiford Dragon once came to water and feed.
Only a short distance around the corner is Holme Lacy Bridge and our canoe centre at Lucksall Park, where you could stop for a bite to eat in their Riverside Bar & Eatery.
From Lucksall you will meander behind the village of Fownhope to the gentle rapid of Lee Brink before heading out around a huge loop in the river taking you past the banked village of Ballingham and under the stunning steep Caplor Woods.
From here you'll take on the rapids past Carey islands and pass under the ruins of the former railway bridge. Not long after you'll find your overnight destination, Tresseck Campsite, just after Hoarwithy bridge on the right hand bank where a gravel beach and steps mark the end of your first day.
Reunited with your car and overnight gear you can pitch camp and either enjoy the onsite catering, cook your own dinner around an open fire or head off to the pub 500m away.
After a cooked breakfast, pack up your tent and set off the campsite beach heading downstream for a leisurely day two. Leaving the village of Hoarwithy you skirt past Sellack common, under the Victorian suspension bridge and on towards the pillars of the old railway bridge at Strangford. Before long How Caple, well known for its Court Gardens, will pass by as you head through the Inglestone Estate, respecting the fabled salmon pools and the fisherman who travel from far and wide in search of an elusive catch.
Continue past the rapids by the tranquil hamlet of Hole-in-the-Wall and pass underneath another elegant pedestrian suspension bridge at Foy. If you're lucky as you reach the large sweeping meander you'll witness the magical experience of feeding sand martins as they soar and swoop all around you. After the bend the sandstone pillars from the remnants of Backney Bridge mark the last stretch of the journey before your journey's end, the picturesque market town of Ross-on-Wye, appears perched above the Wye.
We'll collect and return you and your kit to Tresseck where your adventure began.