Information to help boaters on the River Wye

The River Wye is 251 kilometres long. It drains a catchment containing a rich and varied landscape spanning the Welsh and English borders. It rises in the uplands of mid Wales, flowing past the towns of Rhayader, Builth Wells, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford, Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth, entering the Severn Estuary at Chepstow.

The Environment Agency is the navigation authority for the River Wye, from Hay to Bigsweir Bridge. Navigation on the tidal Wye, below Bigsweir, is the responsibility of Gloucester Harbour Trustees.

The Wye Navigation Advisory Committee meets in spring and autumn, helping to maintain sustainable recreation and navigation on the River Wye.

For details of the committee and a copy of approved minutes, please email wye-navigation@environment-agency.gov.uk.

River access for boaters

Boaters have confirmed legal access on the River Wye between Hay-on-Wye and Chepstow (where the River Wye enters the Severn Estuary). Upstream of Hay-on-Wye there are a number of negotiated access points.

Access upstream of Hay Bridge

• there is no confirmed legal right of navigation upstream of Hay Bridge
• access to navigate the upper Wye is disputed
• there are 2 arrangements to help facilitate shared access and river use between anglers and paddlers; please refer to the Wye & Usk Foundation website and the Canoe Wye website for further details
• much of the upper Wye is not recommended for beginners, or boaters who do not have considerable experience of white water - you should read the available guides before paddling
• it is recommended that you check and if necessary obtain permission from the owner(s) of the riverbed along your route before you access the river

Access downstream of Hay Bridge

• the public right of navigation does not give an absolute right of access to the river bank downstream of Hay Bridge, except in an emergency or to prevent one
• other than at accepted public sites or where there is public access to the river bank, you should get permission from the owner of the riverbank/surrounding land before you launch or land your boat
• any use of the banks must be not only incidental to your navigation, but also reasonable and considerate to the needs of landowners and other users
• permission is needed to camp or picnic on the banks or neighbouring fields

River Wye calendar of events for 20262025

There may be river restrictions around each event.

If you are participating in an event make sure you are aware of the Paddlers Code. This is a guide to using the river without reducing the enjoyment of others or damaging the environment.

If you are planning an event or know of an event which is not on the Environment Agency calendar, please email wye-navigation@environment-agency.gov.uk.

If you would like more information about an event please contact the event organiser:

New Paddle Trail Guide for the River Wye

The Environment Agency has worked in partnership with British Canoeing to create a new improved Wye Guide that helps the paddler know more about the River Wye navigation. This guide contains practical information to help plan your journey.

The-River-Wye-Paddle-Guide-March-2023.pdf (gopaddling.info)