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Bank

Canoe

Hire

Do we need to book in advance?

We recommend booking in advance to avoid being disappointed, as some dates get fully booked weeks in advance but it's still worth trying on the day if it’s a last minute idea.

 

Where are you based?

Our office is in Hereford City Centre but we also have bases near Hay-on-Wye and at Preston-on-Wye.

 

Is there public transport near your base?

Yes. There are good transport links into Hereford. National Express operates services from all over the UK and Hereford Train Station is only half a mile away. Once you arrive in Hereford we can transport your group to the start location or pick your group up at the end of your trip.

 

Do we pay extra for transport?

Transport to the start location or to collect your group is included in our hire rates.

 

Can I park / leave my car at our start point?

Yes. Depending on where you want to start, there might be some fee’s to pay. The most expensive we know of are £5 per day but most are much less or even free.

 

How do we get back to the start point?

We include transport within your hire fee's.. it's all part of the service. There is no need to paddle back up river. That’s right, all you need to do is paddle down stream.

 

Can I hire a canoe or kayak for one person?

Only if you are planning your trip with another person or group. We will not hire to people that want to go alone.

 

What's the minimum age?

Six years and up during good conditions, if river levels rise it may not be suitable for children.

 

Is there a minimum / maximum size limit?

Generally speaking this is not normally an issue but if you are very small or large, give us a call before so we can check that we have the correct sizes.

 

Do I need any experience or training?

No training is required but we do recommend some experience is in the group, depending on river levels, conditions and individual abilities. If you have children in the group then you must have some experienced adults and work to one adult per child to be safe. If you're unsure, take a guide or instructor for your first time and learn the basics during your trip.

 

Do you provide any training?

We do provide training and all of our instructor’s hold British Canoe Union awards. Our company is also registered with AALA and the Institute of Outdoor Learning.

 

Do you have insurance?

We are fully insured but this only covers any mistakes we may make, it doesn’t cover accidents. Individuals would need personal cover for accidents.

 

What should I wear?

Always dress according to the weather conditions at the time. Avoid jeans / denim or anything that doesn’t dry quickly. Cotton clothes are normally better with layers on the top of the body. Have a raincoat or shower proof top with you even on sunny days.

 

Can I camp at your centre?

Yes, we have camping available in Hereford that's only a few meters from the City Centre and at Preston-on-Wye. Both campsites are next to the River Wye and only a short walk from the pub! If you want information about any other campsite have a look at our accommodation page.

 

Are there places to stop for food?

There are places to stop all along the river banks but please be mindful that you might of stopped on private land unknowingly so please respect your surroundings. “Take only pictures and leave only footprints!”

 

Can we take a BBQ?

BBQ’s are fine and better than open fires. Always make sure you have a container to carry water between the river and your BBQ and remember to saturate the area before you leave. Never leave fires, embers, hot coals or ash unattended!

 

Can we take alcohol?

You can but we recommend drinking in moderation, each stretch has a pub at the finish so wait until the end of the day before you pull the pin out!

 

Can we take dogs?

fine, especially if they like water. We have Dalmatians that can’t make up their minds if they want to be inside the boat or swimming along side and have capsized us many times. If your dog can sit still, that’s great!

 

When are you open?

We are open all year round, depending on weather conditions and river levels. Our office hours are 9am – 5pm 365 days a year. If you can’t get hold of us for any reason, leave a message and we will get back to you.

 

What's included?

We provide all the basic kit you need, including your canoe / kayak, buoyancy aid, paddle, Map of the River Wye, dry barrel and transport. We have camping kit and cooking equipment as well for any groups that need extra. Always tell us what you need before hand and don’t assume anything; another group might be using everything.

 

What do we need to take?

Aside from the kit we give you, you should only need some food to snack on and a good amount of water. Avoid taking to many personal or electric items but if you do take a phone, make sure it’s in a sealed watertight bag or rapped in cling film.

 

How long are half day and full day trips?

Half day trips are around 5 – 9 miles and take around 3 hours

Full day trips are normally 12 – 18 miles and take between 4 to 6 hours

 

How many people are in each canoe / kayak?

Standard 16ft canoes are best with two adults and kit or two adults and a child.

 

What happens if it starts to rain?

That’s what your coat’s for.. It’s fine to paddle in the rain. Always check the forecast before undertaking any outdoor activity.

 

What happens if the weather forecast changes and we want to cancel?

If it’s just a bit of rain, then our normal cancellation policy applies. If the river level is too high and we cancel your group for safety, then there is no charge.

 

What happens if we loose or break any kit we have hired?

Each item of kit has a standard price that’s on the reverse of your map when we hand over the kit to your group. Once we hand everything over, you are responsible for the kit that you have hired. If something breaks due to fair wear and tear there is not normally any charges but if items have been lost or mistreated, we will ask you to pay for it.