Ross-on-Wye to Redbrook (Multi-Day Trip)

* Any times and distances quoted are approximate figures only.

A great relaxing 2 day paddle from Ross to Redbrook or Whitebrook. Day one is Ross to Symonds Yat with the opportunity to stop for either pub lunches at The Inn on the Wye or Courtfield Arms or maybe just pull over for a picnic at the side of the river. Then on the second day take on the rapids at Symonds Yat before paddling the stunning Wye Gorge down into Wales and through the historic town of Monmouth and back into England to finish at Redbrook (10 miles) or maybe Whitebrook (13 miles).

After kitting you out at our centre we then have a short drive up to the historic market town of Ross to begin your day out. Launching just above Wilton Bridge the river meanders through the countryside for 5 miles, passing the ruins of Goodrich Castle before you reach Kerne Bridge.

Ross-on-Wye

The launching point for Ross-on-Wye is in front of the Riverside Inn and is sign posted from the road.

On the paddle down look out for:

• 1. Goodrich Castle, a ruined 12th Century Castle that overlooks the river.
• 2. Kerne Bridge, a 3-arch stone bridge spanning the river.
• 3. The remains of another old railway bridge.

Kerne Bridge

After passing under the 3-arch stone bridge of Kerne bridge around the corner there is the old abutment of what was a railway bridge and soon after is the landing point for Kerne Bridge. There is a pub nearby, the Inn on the Wye, which can be accessed by crossing the road from the landing site. There is accommodation at the Inn on the Wye, so if you wanted to finish your day here, you can do.

On the way down from Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat there is one pub in Lower Lydbrook – The Courtfield Arms just over the road from the landing site, further into the village there is The Forge Hammer , a short walk into the village.

Lower Lydbrook will be found just after an island in the centre of the river, paddle to the left of the island keeping the island to your right and you will see the village on your left soon after a sign for the Courtfield Arms.

Things to look out for from Kerne Bridge:

• 1. Coppett Hill – on the entrance to the meandering section of the River Wye there is the beautiful heather clad Coppett Hill on your right. 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 the Youth Hostel in Welsh Bicknor a lovely old building and the 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 famous for the nesting Peregrine falcons and Symonds Yat Rock the view poiint high above you on the left.
• 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.
• 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 the wide steps in front of Ye Old Ferrie Inn, which has an original hand ferry to cross the river.

Symonds Yat

Paddling down the river from the Ferry in Symonds Yat the first thing you will encounter are the rapids – these are Grade 2 rapids and are not advised to paddle without at least having done some paddling before or rafted your canoes together for more stability.

After the rapids there are a number of places of interest to spot:

• 1. Biblins foot bridge a suspended iron foot bridge linking the walk from Symonds Yat East to Biblins campsite on the West side of the river to the Wye Valley Walk.
• 2. Past Biblins the river carves it’s way through carboniferous limestone and the Seven Sisters Rocks, plus there are a number or caves on the right hand side of the river including King Arthur’s Cave.
• 3. Wyastone Estate – home of Nimbus records, this gothic mansion estate can be seen from the river on the right hand side with its Concert Hall and Business Park.

Monmouth

Once you reach Monmouth the landing area is the second set of steps on the right hand side, not the steps in front of the Rowing Club, do not use the steps on the left hand side of the river before the bridge either, these are for Monmouth School only.

There are no pubs close to the river here, but the town is about 10 minutes walk if you wish to take a break and walk into town.

Paddle under the large multi-arched Wye Bridge at Monmouth.

After the bridge look out for the following on your journey down to Redbrook:

• 1. On your right you will see the River Monnow joining the River Wye.
• 2. Another two disused railway bridges.
• 3. The river starts to follow the main A466 running along on the left hand side.
• 4. There are a large number of big boulders in the river here, take care going around them.
• 5. Old iron dissused railway bridge is just before the stop off for Redbrook.

Continuing on from Redbrook

If you are paddling on down from Redbrook you continue to follow the A466 on your left until you reach:

• 1. There is an option of a get out at Whitebrook rather than paddling on to Brockweir to make the trip from Symonds Yat a little longer, Contact Us for details.
• 2. Bigsweir Bridge an old wrought iron archway bridge, taking the A466 across the river so it will now be following the river on your right. This was originally a toll bridge and you can see the toll house on your right at the end of the bridge.
• 3. Brockweir Bridge (pic) – a large flat iron bridge.

• 4. The landing point is just to the left before the bridge.




• NB. The get out at Brockweir is not accessible for trailers and as such not suitable for more than 2 boats, unless you are willing to carry your boats across bridge to main road for collection.