Whitchurch put-in
This put-in sits on the River Wye at Symonds Yat West, on the west bank within Whitchurch civil parish, opposite Symonds Yat East, where the river loops around Symonds Yat Rock, a wooded limestone outcrop rising about 152 metres above the gorge. The Symonds Yat Rapids, a grade 2 man-made feature used for whitewater training and playboating, lie about a kilometre downstream. Canoe and kayak hire operators based at Symonds Yat West run trips from this stretch of the gorge.
About a kilometre downstream the river narrows into the Symonds Yat Rapids, a 150m grade 2 feature built up with boulder groynes on the river-right bank, with standing waves forming at the lower end. Paddle UK (then the British Canoe Union) bought the banks and the rapid in 2003, securing year-round access; paddlers who do not want to run it can inspect the water from the Peregrine Way path on the left bank or portage around it.
The banks through the gorge are largely wooded and steep, with the accepted steps and a handful of named landing points the practical places to get on and off the water. The reach lies within the River Wye/Afon Gwy Site of Special Scientific Interest and Special Area of Conservation, noted for otter, Atlantic salmon, several lamprey species, twaite shad, bullhead and beds of water-crowfoot.
A hand-pulled cable ferry crosses the river at Symonds Yat; the ferryman hauls the boat along an overhead tensioned cable attached to it by a rope, and it does not run in flood. It is one of only two hand ferries remaining on the Wye, of the up to twenty-five that once crossed the river between Ross-on-Wye and Chepstow.
Nearby
Cafe at the Wye Valley Visitor Centre, serving coffee, snacks and homemade ice cream.
WebsiteForestry England cafe at the Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint, serving prepared food, cakes, ice cream and drinks.
WebsiteRiverside campsite and caravan park open to the public for tents, caravans and motorhomes; its pay-and-display field is the launch's nearest parking.
WebsiteCaravan park with a motorhome and camping area open to the public, alongside static caravan pitches.
WebsiteConditions to check
The Symonds Yat Rapids, a 150m grade 2 man-made feature with boulder groynes on the river-right bank, lie about a kilometre downstream; standing waves form at the lower end.
SourceA hand-pulled cable ferry crosses the river at Symonds Yat; the ferryman hauls the boat using an overhead tensioned cable connected to it by a rope.
SourceSmall passenger pleasure boats, including the Kingfisher and the Wye Pride, run short cruises from Symonds Yat East, generally between March and October.
SourceThe Wye is a fast-flooding river, which can rise more than 30cm an hour after heavy rain.
SourceQuestions
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