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

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.

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

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!

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.

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.