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Information to help boaters on the River Wye

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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 [email protected].

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 several negotiated access points.

  • 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 Paddle Cymru 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
  • 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

    • This is an extract. The publication continues at the source.

    Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Licence

    Read the original at the source: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/information-to-help-boaters-on-the-river-wye

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    https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/environment-agency.atom ATOM
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    September 24, 2026 18:00
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