Wye Valley Cycling and Canoeing Holiday

English countryside at its best. This popular self-guided cycling holiday takes place in three counties - Shropshire, Herefordshire and Powys, and explores the pristine natural beauty of the Welsh/English borderlands. These hidden valleys seem to exist in another time zone; picture book villages linked by idyllic lanes and 

ancient drovers' trails (still signposted by tall Scots Pine trees that you can see marching over the hills). Spend two nights in Hay-on-Wye, world famous for its many bookshops and acclaimed literary festival, which means you can swap your bike for a Canadian Canoe to explore the River Wye. 

Throughout this bike and canoeing tour you'll stay an exceptional half-timbered hotel in Presteigne, and a gorgeous Regency coaching inn in Hay-on-Wye.

Bike & Canoeing Holiday - Itinerary

Day 1. Petchfield Farm to Presteigne. 15 miles (24 km). Cycle on idyllic country lanes and cross the River Lugg to cycle into Wales. Presteigne is home to the unique Judges Lodging museum & to many arts events; a world music festival in July, and a classical music festival in August.

Day 2. Presteigne to Hay on Wye. 40 miles (64 km). Two routes - an easier route via Brilley Mountain and down to the River Wye (25 miles/40km). Or a more demanding route..through the Welsh hills & Offa’s Dyke. Once you crest the hill at Glascwm, its downhill to the River Wye and the welcome sight of the Old Station at Erwood for afternoon tea. (40 miles/64km). Hay on Wye is a lovely town, famed for its bookshops, castle and world famous annual festival.

Day 3. Canoe down the River Wye. 10 miles (16 km). You are taken to the canoe base for briefing & kitting out with your Canadian canoes. You paddle downstream to Hay on Wye (5 miles/8km) for lunch then canoe down the Wye to the famous toll bridge & Boat Inn (10 miles/16km). You can finish your canoeing at either point (the longer trip takes all day, finishing about 4pm) and you will be collected & returned to your accommodation.

Day 4. Hay-on-Wye to Petchfield Farm. 35 miles (56 km). Cycle through the Black and White villages of North Herefordshire. Unique half-timbered architecture in all the villages – including medieval dovecots at Eardisland and Luntley. There are also two grand National Trust houses to visit; Croft Castle and Berrington Hall. Finishing any time in the afternoon, back at Petchfield Farm.