River Wye: Hike, Bike & Kayak (Source to Sea)
River Wye: Hike, Bike & Kayak (Source to Sea)
River Wye: Hike, Bike & Kayak (Source to Sea)
5 Days Starting and ending in Gloucester
Visiting: Gloucester, Elan Valley, Whitney on Wye, Ross on Wye
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BEXW
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Physical rating:
Medium
Age range:
15-99 years
Trip Styles:
Tour Overview
Why should you visit the River Wye? We’re glad you asked! Crossing from Wales into England and carving out much of the border on its way, the River Wye is undoubtedly one of the UK’s best examples of unspoiled natural beauty and classic British scenery – from rolling green hills and spectacular valleys to delightful little villages dotted with cosy pubs. In five days, you’ll uncover all the best bits of this beautiful corner of the country on foot, bicycle and canoe, with a local leader on hand to show you the ropes. Venture from the river’s source in the Welsh Mountains and follow it on a thrilling adventure down to Ross-on-Wye.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Gloucester
Location: Gloucester
Accommodation: Hotel
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 2: Elan Valley
Location: Elan Valley
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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
Included Activities:
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Day 3: Whitney On Wye
Location: Whitney on Wye
Accommodation: Glamping pods
Meals Included: breaksfast
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!
Included Activities:
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Day 4: Ross On Wye
Location: Ross on Wye
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
Included Activities:
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Day 5: Gloucester
Location: Gloucester
Meals Included: breaksfast
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.
What's Included
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Source of River Wye walk
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Elan Valley cycling tour
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Infant River Wye cycle
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River Wye full day canoe adventure
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Cider Farm visit
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Hay on Wye leader led town walk
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Whitney Bridge canoe tour
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Biking tour along River Wye
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Symonds Yat Rock tour
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Meals
5 breakfasts
Transport
- Private van
Accommodation
- Hotel (3 nights), Glamping pods (1 nights)
Check out our Q&As
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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COVID Protection
Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards
From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19.
However, we continue to strongly recommend that all travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and other Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.
This policy excludes all Polar trips and select adventure cruises, where testing and vaccination remains a requirement. Please refer to the Essential Trip Information of your chosen tour for more details.