| Launch Point | Landing Point | Distance | Duration | Paddle Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kerne Bridge | Symonds Yat | 7.5 miles | 1/2 day | 2 to 3 hrs |
* Any times and distances quoted are approximate figures only.
Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat
The trip from Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat is stunning and probably the most popular half day river tour on the Wye. You begin near Goodrich Castle pass through Bishopswood and Lower Lydbrook and past the Courtfield Arms where you can stop for lunch if you take our ¾ day option (ask for details). After Lydbrook you will pass by the YHA and the Church at Welsh Bicknor and under the old disused railway bridge. The river meanders down towards and under the famous Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint, where you may be able to spot peregrine falcons and other birds of prey. After passing Yat Rock you paddle for a further hour through stunning scenery into Symonds Yat and back to Ye Old Ferrie Inn. Along the way you can see a variety of wildlife from otters, mink, swans, geese, deer, wild boar, peregrine falcons and plenty more.
The distance of about seven miles of this trip can be enough for the first time paddler and is perfect to enjoy the fantastic surroundings and stunning vistas the area has to offer. As mentioned earlier, you can stop for lunch if you are doing the extended ¾ day trip (contact us for details) at either the Courtfield Arms or the Forgehammer in Lower Lydbrook or why not take a picnic to enjoy on the river bank.
Things to look out for from Kerne Bridge:
- 1. Coppett Hill – After launching at Kerne Bridge you will paddle alongside beautiful heather clad Coppett Hill on your right, a local nature reserve of over 100 acres, it’s a mixture of woodland and open hillside and is a great place for butterfiles, deer, birdlife and fungi. We can provide a lovely guided walk along Coppett Hill which will show you the route of the river through the gorge as it winds around the hill itself.
- 2. After Lower Lydbrook you will pass through Welsh Bicknor which despite its name is in Herefordshire, and past the Youth Hostel in Welsh Bicknor with St Margarets church beside it.
- 3. Another disused railway bridge, now used as a footbridge.
- 4. As you meander through the Wye Valley Gorge the river bends back around a right hand bend and you will pass Coldwell Rocks and caves where finds suggest iron age activity, but are probably more notable for the nesting Peregrine falcons and Symonds Yat Rock the view point some 500ft above you on the left, easily identified by the union flag.
- 5. Now you have looped around and you are paddling the other side of Coppett Hill, you will go under Huntsham Bridge, a green iron road bridge that links the two sides of the River Wye.
- 6. You are entering Symonds Yat area when you see the old parish church of St Dubricius on your right hand side.
- 7. Your landing point is not far away now, as you round the right hand bend you will see the Ferrie Inn in fornt of you and once you get closer you will see the wide steps in front of Ye Old Ferrie Inn, which has an original hand ferry to cross the river.
- 8. All you have to do now is carefully exit the canoe, remove it from the river and find a member of the Wye Canoes team to take your equipment from you. Then maybe time for a refreshing drink or maybe sample the menu at the Ferrie Inn while planning your next river expedition.
* Any times and distances quoted are approximate figures only.
