The River Wye isn’t just a river—it’s a journey. From wild hills to cosy bookshops, dramatic cliffs to family days out, each stretch offers something different. That’s why we’ve broken it into easy-to-follow sections.
Fishing near Erwood on the River Wye offers a tranquil retreat for tourists. Surrounded by lush woodland, it’s prime territory for wild trout and grayling. With easy access, scenic riverbanks, and gentle currents, anglers can enjoy peaceful sessions or guided excursions. A charming escape for nature-loving fishers
Elan Valley’s dams and reservoirs attract curious tourists seeking stunning scenery and engineering marvels. Towering concreted walls hold serene waters, framed by rolling hills and wooded valleys. Hiking trails weave around majestic spillways and tranquil lakes. History, nature, and breathtaking vistas invite exploration and peaceful reflection.
The Old Bridge at Whitney-on-Wye enchants visitors with its timeless stone arches spanning the Wye. Nestled in verdant riverside surroundings, it whispers tales of medieval crossings. Gentle currents flow beneath moss‑clad parapets. Ideal for leisurely strolls, photography, and peaceful pauses, it offers a charming glimpse of historic rural Wales.
Horse riding in Talgarth, nestled by the Black Mountains, offers enchanting trails through verdant valleys and heather‑clad hills. Riders traverse ancient bridleways, woodland tracks, and open moorland. Guided or solo treks reveal panoramic vistas of rugged peaks, livestock‑dotted meadows, and tranquil streams. A memorable equestrian escape for adventurers.
Rapids on the River Wye The River Wye features gentle to moderate rapids, offering excitement for canoeists and kayakers without overwhelming beginners. Popular spots like Symonds Yat provide thrilling, manageable whitewater set against lush scenery. Ideal for adventurous families or solo paddlers, these rapids add a splash of adrenaline to the river’s tranquil charm.
The Black Mountains near Talgarth captivate tourists with rugged beauty and scenic diversity. Towering peaks, rolling hills, and winding trails invite hikers, cyclists, and nature-lovers. Wildflower meadows and ancient woodlands teem with wildlife, while panoramic viewpoints reveal valleys below. A serene, adventurous escape in the heart of Welsh countryside.
Gliding or parasailing near Talgarth offer tourists breathtaking aerial adventures over the Black Mountains. At Talgarth Airfield, you can find 25minute aerotows among ridge and wave currents, perfect for novices and seasoned pilots. Paragliding takes off from nearby escarpments, delivering exhilarating tandem flights amid stunning Welsh scenery.
Canoeing or kayaking from Glasbury to Hay-on-Wye offers a scenic paddle through wooded banks and gentle rapids. Paddlers encounter tranquil pools, wildlife sightings, and riverside meadows. Suitable for mixed experience levels with local outfitters providing gear and guidance. A serene, adventurous Welsh river journey.
Hay-on-Wye: The Book Town. It became one of the world’s firstBook Town in 1962, thanks to Richard Booth’s vision of transforming itinto a haven for bibliophiles. Now home to dozens of bookshops andthe renowned Hay Festival, this charming Welsh border town drawstourists year-round with its literary heritage and quirky, creative spirit.
Red Kites once teetered on extinction in Britain, with only a few Welshpairs by the 1930s. Thanks to reintroduction and protection programs,they’re now flourishing across the upper River Wye, with populationsexpanding dramatically.
The Forest of Dean, an ancient woodland in Gloucestershire, offers a magical escape for nature lovers. Rich in wildlife, history, and legend, it features walking trails, sculpture paths, caves, and steam trains. Popular with families, hikers, and cyclists.
Herefordshire’s Cider-Making heritage delights tourists; from centuries-old farm presses to modern visitor tours. Discover traditional apple orchards and vintage beam-presses, behind-the-scenes experiences, tastings and orchard walks!
Llandrindod Wells’ Lake, man-made in Victorian times from a drained peat bog, now spans 13 – 14 acres. Encircled by paths and wooded banks, it features a dragon sculpture and boathouse-turned-café. Here, visitors can stroll, cycle, picnic, fish, paddleboat, kayak, and observe abundant wildlife
Hereford Cathedral welcomes tourists to admire its Norman and Gothic architecture (begun 1079), soaring nave, and stunning stained glass. Inside, visitors discover the medieval Mappa Mundi and chained library housing rare manuscripts. Daily tours, concerts, and a café enrich every visit to this historic Grade I treasure.
Tintern Abbey, founded in 1131 on the banks of the River Wye, is a magnificent Gothic Cistercian ruin. Its soaring arches and grand west window remain in roofless splendour. Dissolved in 1536, it later inspired Romantic poets and painters
Hiking Offa’s Dyke offers breathtaking journeys along the ancient earthwork that once marked the England–Wales border. Spanning 177 miles, the trail winds through heather moors, river valleys, and historic villages.
Rhayader to Hay-on-Wye
Raw, rugged, and beautiful. Perfect for wild swims, hilly hikes, and losing hours in bookshops
Hereford to Chepstow
A softer, more accessible stretch—full of castles, cliffs, woodland, and riverside towns.