Waterways > River Wye
River Wye
The River Wye is tidal from its outflow at the Severn Estuary for 15 miles (24.1 km) to Bigsweir Bridge, and this section can be used by a range of craft, depending on the state of the tide. Further upstream, the river has long been popular with canoeists and trip boats, and occasionally even large barges have made it upstream as far as Hereford when water levels after heavy rain have allowed. There are no locks or other navigation structures.
Map showing the River Wye
Waterway notes
Branch
- IWA South Wales Branch – Hay-on-Wye to source
- IWA Gloucestershire & Herefordshire Branch – Hay-on-Wye to Severn Estuary
Navigation Authority
- Environment Agency – Hay-on-Wye to Bigsweir Bridge
- Gloucester Harbour Trustees – tidal Wye below Bigsweir Bridge
Waterway underfunding
Hundreds of miles of waterways – along with their unique heritage and habitats – are currently starved of funding and rely on constant lobbying by us to safeguard their future.
Sustainable Boating
We want boating on canals and rivers to be more sustainable and – even though the current overall contribution to UK carbon emissions is very small – we want to help reduce emissions on the waterways.
Waterways Heritage at Risk
Britain’s canals and rivers are a unique, living heritage. But that heritage is at risk – from urban development, lack of protection, loss of skills and knowledge and climate change.
You can help Save Waterways Heritage.
Waterway restoration
Restoring the UK’s blue infrastructure – our inherited network of navigable canals and rivers – is good for people and places.
LOVE YOUR WATERWAYS
Britain's waterways are vital; together we can campaign for them now and for the future.
