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River Wye: Hike, Bike & Kayak (Source to Sea)

Sale!

River Wye: Hike, Bike & Kayak (Source to Sea)

Was From $ 2,175 AUD
Now From $ 1,631 AUD
Sale!

Description

Why should you visit the River Wye? We’re glad you asked! Crossing from Wales into England and carving out much of the border on its way, the River Wye is undoubtedly one of the UK’s best examples of unspoiled natural beauty and classic British scenery – from rolling green hills and spectacular valleys to delightful little villages dotted with cosy pubs. In five days, you’ll uncover all the best bits of this beautiful corner of the country on foot, bicycle and canoe, with a local leader on hand to show you the ropes. Venture from the river’s source in the Welsh Mountains and follow it on a thrilling adventure down to Ross-on-Wye.

Trip Name
River Wye: Hike, Bike & Kayak (Source to Sea)
Last Updated
2022-08-08
Days
5
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Follow the River Wye from its source high in the Welsh Mountains all the way to Ross-on-Wye on foot, bicycle and canoe, allowing you to see the scenery from multiple perspectives.
  • Explore the little-known yet absolutely beautiful Elan Valley on bicycles, then spend two nights in a remote family-run lodge, set in a gorgeous Victorian era building.
  • Hit the water in a canoe or kayak and paddle down from Glasbury to Whitney Bridge, stopping off for lunch in the charming town of Hay-on-Wye, famed for its celebration of books.
  • Pull up your kayaks on the side of the river and arrive at your accommodation – a spectacular glamping experience in permanent pods totally immersed in nature.
  • Hike and bike up to Symonds Yat Rock and be rewarded with unbeatable views of the River Wye and its surrounds, plus the chance to spot peregrine falcons soaring overhead.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It is important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. The order and timing of included activities in each location may also vary seasonally to ensure our travellers have the best experience. Your tour leader will keep you up to date with any such changes once on tour. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your leader know you are interested in the Group Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and leaders are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk. MUSEUM VISITS & OPENING TIMES Please note that many sights, attractions and museums are closed on Mondays (and sometimes even Tuesdays). We recommend you carefully consider which sites and museums you are going to want to visit and that you do some research and make your reservations in advance where required/possible.

Day 1 - Gloucester
The famous River Wye maps out much of the border between Wales and England, and its untouched landscapes really are a sight to behold. Your exploration of this great river begins in Gloucester, where you’ll meet your local leader and the rest of your group at 11am. From here it’s a transfer to the top of the Wye Valley (approximately 2 hours) – you’ll soon see why this has been named an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Things kick into gear with a bike ride around the secluded Elan Valley – this is the wild west of the UK – no shops, starbucks or costa coffee here, just stunning natural wonders at every turn. Enjoy a flat ride around an 18th-century reservoir and take it all in. Retire to your accommodation for the evening, a beautiful lodge set in a Victorian era building that retains much of its traditional feel.
Day 2 - Elan Valley
Kick off the day with a hike to the source of the River Wye, hidden away high up in the Welsh Mountains. While you’re at it, you may also like to hunt out the source of the River Severn, as it’s just a mile away. After you’ve found the source, it’s time to hop back on your bike and follow the very first stretch of the River Wye all the way back down to the Elan Valley. This journey is all downhill, so it’s sure to be a thrilling ride! Enjoy an evening at leisure back at your lodge
Day 3 - Whitney on Wye
Today you’ll hit the water for a canoeing and kayaking adventure! Transfer to the village of Glasbury where you’ll meet your canoeing instructors for a safety demonstration, then head off in your one or two-person canoe or kayak – the choice is yours. Paddle on down past peaceful countryside and arrive at the market town of Hay-on-Wye. If you forgot to pack a good book for your downtime, worry not! With over twenty independent bookshops, this charming little place is the National Book Town of Wales. Stop for a spot of lunch and perhaps one of Hay’s excellent coffees, then return to the water and continue down to Whitney Bridge, where you will disembark and spend the evening. Your accommodation tonight will be one to remember, as you’ll sleep on the side of the river in comfortable and spacious wooden pods, totally immersed in your natural surroundings – this is glamping at its best!
Day 4 - Ross on Wye
Start your day in the village of Preston on Wye and set your wheels in motion for a bike ride to Goodrich Castle. This ancient medieval castle is so well-preserved it’s not hard to imagine what life here must have looked like, and its serene setting in the countryside above the River Wye is up there with the best of them. Walk up to the Symonds Yat Rock where you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with unbeatable views of the River Wye and the surrounding landscape. Not only home to the site of an ancient fort build over 2500 years ago, the area is also one of the best spots in the country to view peregrine falcons, so be sure to look up as well as down! Tonight will be spent in the lovely town of Ross-on-Wye – ask your leader why they claim to be the birthplace of British tourism.
Day 5 - Gloucester
Just like the River Wye, your journey must come to an end. Today you will transfer back to Gloucester where your adventure will wrap up, and say your goodbyes to your newfound friends.
Day 6 - Gloucester
Just like the River Wye, your journey must come to an end. Today you will transfer back to Gloucester where your adventure will wrap up, and say your goodbyes to your newfound friends.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
21-08-202225-08-2022AUD $ 1,631-

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights),Glamping pods (1 nights)

Transport

Private van

Map