The Upper Wye, Updated October 2009
We have negotiated a number of access and exit points for canoeing on the following reaches, each of which have their own specific conditions. You are asked to remember that the right to cross land and canoe is given freely by generous owners and we rely on sensible use to sustain these arrangements. Please read the terms of each reach carefully before setting off.
The sections above Llanwrthwl have recently (October 2009) been added to the scheme and because of their relatively smaller size and flow are available only when the relevant height gauges show heights over the red line (Llangurig and Rhayader). This is to protect spawning fish as well as allow you to canoe in optimum conditions.
Please let us know of any issues via the contact us page. It is important that you appreciate that the Upper Wye and Usk are not suitable for novices and should not be attempted by them unaccompanied.
The Wye and Usk are Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) and care should be taken not to damage any bankside feature or disturb wildlife. To protect the ecology of rivers that you enjoy use of, you must take note of biosecurity measures.
The following conditions apply:
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The Llangurig to Marteg reach is only navigable when the water level is above the red line on the Llangurig gauge. This condition applies all year round, not just to the 16th March to 17th October period. Therefore, you may not canoe at any time when the water level is below the red line
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The Marteg to Llanwrthwl reach is only navigable when the level is above the red line on the Rhayader gauge. This condition applies all year round, not just to the 16th March to 17th October period. Therefore, you may not canoe at any time when the water level is below the red line
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From Llanwrthwl to Glasbury (3 reaches), canoeing can take place between 18th October and 15th March (inclusive) and outside this period when the Upper Wye Gauge is above the red line (2' 5").
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Canoeing etc should be in a generally downstream direction
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You are responsible for your own safety and insurance. You enter land and water entirely at your own risk.
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Use only the designated access and exit points for landing, save in emergency
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Follow the directions of anglers as to which side you should pass them on. Avoid confrontation with other river users.
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Please remember that consent to cross land and water is granted only on the terms indicated here and in the individual reach notes set out in the downloadable pdfs below.
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Take all your litter home.
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These Consents apply only to the reaches indicated and on the terms expressed (note separate upper reach link to Rhayader & Llangurig gauges). It does NOT imply or authorise canoeing on any other tributary or stream.
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Observe the Biosecurity Measures.
Llangurig to Marteg [PDF] ...... Please allow sufficient time to download
Marteg to Llanwrthwl [PDF]
Llanwrthwl to Builth Wells [PDF]
Builth Wells to Glasbury [PDF]
Glasbury to Hay [PDF]
