Wye canoe? Canoeists' guide to the River Wye We are the Environment Agency. It’s our job to look after your environment and make it a better place – for you, and for future generations. Your environment is the air you breathe, the water you drink and the ground you walk on. Working with business, Government and society as a whole, we are making your environment cleaner and healthier. The Environment Agency. Out there, making your environment a better place to live and play. This guide is also available in Welsh. Mae’r cyfeirlyfr hwn ar gael yn Gymraeg hefyd. Published by: Environment Agency Sapphire East 550 Streetsbrook Road Solihull B91 1QT Tel: 03708 506506. Email:
[email protected] www.environment-agency.gov.uk Cover photograph - canoeing at Ross-on-Wye © Environment Agency All rights reserved. This document may be reproduced with prior permission of the Environment Agency ISBN: 978-1-84432-914-4 Edition: 13th edition 2011 Contents Introduction 04 Health and hygiene 24 The River Wye 05 Health and hygiene guidelines 24 Conservation of wildlife 06 Leptospirosis (Weil's Disease) 24 Navigation and recreational advice 09 Itinerary 25 Navigation rights and access 09 Launching and landing 25 The Rivers Wye and Lugg navigation 10 Overview of map sections 26 Canoeing on the River Wye 11 Maps 28 Upper Wye Canoe Access Agreement 11 Accommodation 56 River gradings 13 Tourist information centres 60 River gradings for the River Wye 15 Useful websites 60 BCU and WCA contacts 17 Transport 61 Canoe hire and instruction 17 Maps 61 Good practice guides 18 Acknowledgements 61 Code of conduct 19 Wye Management Advisory Group General guidance for all river users 19 (WyeMAG) 61 Specific guidance for those out on the water in a boat 19 Guidance for specific activities 20 Fishing seasons 20 Safety on the river 22 Daily river level information 22 Safety guidelines 22 Tides 23 Environment Agency Canoeists' guide to the River Wye 3 Introduction We are the navigation authority responsible for the Rivers Wye and Lugg.