River Wye 85-Mile

Paddling Challenge

Bespoke Fundraising Adventures with Unforgettable Impact

3 or 4 Days
85 Miles
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Paddle the River Wye

Take on British Canoeing’s longest challenge—85 miles over 3 days, from Glasbury Bridge to Redbrook, along the stunning border of England and Wales. The Wye is regarded as one of the finest lowland landscapes in Britain with plants and animal life of international importance. On the river you can see kingfishers, otters and salmon. In the Forest of Dean, wild boar and deer roam freely.

Challenge Options

3-day

British Canoeing’s longest challenge

85 Miles
3 Days
Difficult

This three day paddling challenge follows the River Wye from Hay on Wye to Chepstow, covering 85 miles of scenic river corridor. It is a demanding endurance challenge, combining long daily distances with flowing water, gentle rapids and changing river conditions.

Trip Overview

  • Distance: 85 miles over 3 days
  • Difficulty: Moderate-to-Difficult, with some Grade 1 and Grade 2 rapids
  • Wildlife: Spot kingfishers, otters, wild boar, and deer along the way

Route:

  • The challenge begins in Hay on Wye, heading downstream through one of the UK’s most beautiful river landscapes. The route winds through the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, following the natural curves of the river as it forms the border between England and Wales.
  • Over three days, paddlers pass through historic market towns including Hereford, Ross on Wye and Monmouth, with stretches of quiet countryside in between. The river features a mix of calm sections and Grade 1 and occasional Grade 2 rapids, requiring good paddling control and stamina.
  • The journey finishes at Chepstow, where the River Wye meets the tidal waters of the Severn Estuary, marking the completion of British Canoeing’s longest recognised challenge.

Cost:

  • 3-Day Challenge: From £390 per person
4-day

British Canoeing’s longest challenge

85 Miles
4 Days
Difficult

This four day paddling challenge follows the River Wye from Hay on Wye to Chepstow, covering the full 85 mile navigable stretch. Designed for those seeking a more balanced pace, it delivers the same sense of achievement as the shorter format, with the benefit of a lighter final day.

Trip Overview

  • Distance: 85 miles over 4 days
  • Difficulty: Moderate-to-Difficult, with some Grade 1 and Grade 2 rapids
  • Wildlife: Spot kingfishers, otters, wild boar, and deer along the way

Route:

  • The challenge begins in Hay on Wye, paddling downstream through open countryside as the Wye winds through the heart of the borderlands. The route passes through the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, following the natural curves of the river as it forms the boundary between England and Wales.
  • Across four days, paddlers travel through historic riverside towns including Hereford, Ross on Wye and Monmouth, with peaceful stretches of countryside in between. Conditions vary from calm water to flowing sections with Grade 1 and occasional Grade 2 rapids, requiring control and endurance.
  • The journey concludes at Chepstow, where the River Wye meets the Severn Estuary. Completing the route over four days allows time to enjoy the scenery and wildlife, while still delivering a challenging and memorable paddling experience.

Cost:

  • 4-Day Challenge: From £520 per person
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Challenge Provisions

What's Included

  • Transport
  • Expert canoeing instructors
  • Training plans
  • Equipment hire and optional wild camping
  • Photos to capture the journey

What You'll Need

  • Quick-dry, breathable outdoor clothing
  • Waterproof jacket and trousers
  • Spare set of clothes in a dry bag
  • Comfortable footwear
  • Snacks for energy
  • Reusable water bottle
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Let's Fundraise for your charity of choice

Raise for:

River Wye 85-mile Kayak Trip, Glasbury-on-Wye to Redbrook fundraiser for MacMillan Hereford
We were blessed with beautiful weather over the first two days - suncream was the day’s essential travelling companion and we were left constantly marvelling at the glorious course the river takes you on. We'd never kayaked on clearer waters than the stretch between Glasbury & Hereford. The local birdlife know a thing or two about happy fishing grounds and while we get our fair share of herons, egrets, cormorants, kingfishers and the like on the Avon, we'd never seen such an abundance of wildlife on the Wye during our first day.
In aid of Hereford MacMillan

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