River Wye - cloudfront.net
River Wye
`
Trip Notes
TRIP OVERVIEW The River Wye (Welsh: Afon Gwy) is the fifth-longest river in the UK and for parts of its length forms part of the border between England and Wales. The Wye itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and one of the most important rivers in the UK for nature conservation. The River Wye is renowned for its stunning scenery and wildlife. As well as boasting some intriguing geological formations, the river valley is home to a wealth of wildlife including some of the most rare and endangered species of fish. LOCATION SUMMARIES Ross-on-Wye Ross-on-Wye (Welsh: Rhosan ar Wy) is a historic market town, which is dominated by its church spire and situated high on a sandstone cliff overlooking a large loop in the beautiful River Wye. Symonds Yat Rock World famous for its natural river scenery and magnificent viewpoint, Symonds Yat Rock is a heavily wooded limestone outcrop some 500 feet above sea level. Here the River Wye twists and winds its way into a large horseshoe bend, five miles long, in a deeply wooded gorge. TRIP SCHEDULE Start Point
The Hostelrie, Goodrich, Ross-on-Wye
Start Time
18:00 on Day 1
Finish Point
The Hostelrie
Finish Time
17:00 on Day 3
Day One We meet at our hotel in the evening where over a welcome drink we hold a pre-trip briefing, in which we discuss in detail the plans for the next few days. There may also be an opportunity to have an acclimatisation swim in the Wye that evening.
SwimTrek Ltd. 6 Hove Manor, Hove Street, Brighton & Hove, BN3 2DF, U.K. Tel: +44 (0) 1273 739 713 | E-mail: [email protected] | Web: www.swimtrek.com Page 1
River Wye
`
Trip Notes
Day Two We make our way to Ross-on-Wye, from where we start our trip. The Wye Valley Walk follows the river all the way, so you can always get out and walk when you’ve finished swimming. You may be required to wear aqua shoes and a wetsuit on the 1st swim if the river is shallow. The river meanders through farmland before coming to Pencraig Wood where we stop for lunch on the river bank. The afternoon swim takes us past Goodrich Castle, built in the 11th century with commanding views of the River Wye and the picturesque valley of Symonds Yat. The swim finishes at Kerne Bridge a short walk to your accommodation. After the swim you can go and visit Goodrich Castle before relaxing at “The Hostelrie” for the evening. Day Three Up early as we start back at Kerne Bridge and head towards Lower Lydbrook, passing both Thomas and Furnace woods. As we progress, keep an eye out for peregrine falcons and dipper birds, and in the water, water voles, salmon and herring. After a pub lunch in Tumpshill Grove we depart for the most dramatic swim of the trip as we travel through the Symonds Yat Gorge, with its 120m cliff face above us. On arrival at Elliot’s Wood, we take to the track as we walk the final leg of the journey up to Symonds Yat Rock, where we have spectacular views of the swims we carried out that day. Following this, we walk into the hamlet of Symonds Yat (East) for a drink at the 16th century, Saracens Head Inn before heading back by road to our hotel where the tour finishes. TRIP INFORMATION Essential Equipment Checklist In addition to ‘normal’ daily clothes, you will need to bring the following:
ITEM
ITEM
Swimming Costume (x 2)
Towel
Swimming Goggles (x 2)*
Small Daypack
Aqua Shoes / Sandals
Walking Shoes / Sandals
Waterproof Sun Cream
Sweater / Fleece / Waterproof Jacket
*Try to bring 1 clear lens and 1 tinted lens for different light conditions. Swim Hats, Flippers, Rashvests and Wetsuits and Water Bottles SwimTrek will supply swim hats. We will have a limited supply/range of flippers, rashvests and wetsuits available on the trip, but we cannot guarantee sizes for all. If you have your own flippers, rashvest and wetsuit we would recommend you bring these with you in order to maximise your enjoyment of the trip. Please note that SwimTrek will provide water and electrolyte drinks in shared water bottles on your safety boat. If you prefer to use your own drink bottle, please feel free to bring one along. SwimTrek Ltd. 6 Hove Manor, Hove Street, Brighton & Hove, BN3 2DF, U.K. Tel: +44 (0) 1273 739 713 | E-mail: [email protected] | Web: www.swimtrek.com Page 2
River Wye
`
Trip Notes
Swimming Distances Swim
Distance
Swim
Distance
Ross-on-Wye - The Homme
3km
Kerne Bridge - Tumpshill Grove
4km
The Homme - Pencraig Wood
2km
Tumpshill Grove - Elliot’s Wood
4km
Pencraig Wood—Kerne Bridge
3½ km
*Please note these swims are all current assisted. Environmental / Safety Factors relating to River Swimming The River Wye is one of the UK’s cleanest waterways. However, water quality can be an issue with water runoff from fields, Blue Green Algae & Weil’s Disease all possible contaminants. If you do feel unwell at any stage during or after the trip, you should go to your GP immediately, telling them what you have been doing. Temperatures Month
Water Temperature*
Air Temperature*
June
16 ˚C
22˚C
*Temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only. Environmental / Safety Factors relating to River Swimming The River Wye is one of the UK’s cleanest waterways. However, water quality can be an issue with water runoff from fields, with possible contaminants including Blue Green Algae and Weil’s Disease. If you do feel unwell at any stage during or after the trip, you should go to your GP immediately, telling them what you have been doing. Weather Caveat For obvious safety reasons we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out any swims. As a consequence, open water swimming does require an inherent degree of on-trip flexibility, so required changes in the planned itinerary will not be uncommon and will undoubtedly add to the uniqueness of each tour. In extreme circumstances we may have to swim in other bodies of open water in the nearby vicinity Group Size Up to a maximum of 20 people, with three escort canoeists and one swimming guide. GETTING THERE By Car Goodrich is within easy reach of the A40, which connects directly with the M50 motorway, the postcode to get to the The Hostelrie is HR9 6HX. By Train There are no train services direct to Goodrich or Ross-on-Wye. The nearest stations are Gloucester or Monmouth. The is a great taxi service that can take you from the station to the hotel which is Daz’s Taxis, to arrange a transfer please call 07824565900. SwimTrek Ltd. 6 Hove Manor, Hove Street, Brighton & Hove, BN3 2DF, U.K. Tel: +44 (0) 1273 739 713 | E-mail: [email protected] | Web: www.swimtrek.com Page 3
River Wye
`
Trip Notes
Public Transport From Gloucester you catch the No. 33 bus to Ross-on-Wye. From Ross-on-Wye you need to take another bus (Bus No. 34) direct to Goodrich. Check out Hereford bus Info for bus times and further information. PRACTICAL INFORMATION Accommodation The Hostelrie at Goodrich is a 19th Century Gothic styled building. It is situated in the pretty village of Goodrich. Set in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, The Hostelrie at Goodrich exudes warmth and rural charm. Meals Breakfast is included with your hotel booking, but dinner on both nights is at your own cost. Lunch on the 3rd day is at a local pub, also at your own cost but on the 2nd day, we are in a more remote area and so will provide a hearty picnic lunch for you. Extra Expenses You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as entertainment, meals where applicable, snacks, castle entrance, souvenirs, etc. Passports and Visas The River Wye is in the United Kingdom. If you are from outside the UK, you will require a full passport to enter, that should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of the EU do not need a visa to enter. Visa regulations do change, so please check again prior to travel. Vaccinations There are no essential vaccination requirements for the U.K., however you should ensure that your immunity to tetanus and polio is up to date. OTHER INFORMATION If there is any further information that you require before your trip, or if you have any questions whatsoever, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us using the contact details at the bottom of these Trip Notes. Happy swimming!
SwimTrek Ltd. 6 Hove Manor, Hove Street, Brighton & Hove, BN3 2DF, U.K. Tel: +44 (0) 1273 739 713 | E-mail: [email protected] | Web: www.swimtrek.com Page 4
`
Trip Notes
TRIP OVERVIEW The River Wye (Welsh: Afon Gwy) is the fifth-longest river in the UK and for parts of its length forms part of the border between England and Wales. The Wye itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and one of the most important rivers in the UK for nature conservation. The River Wye is renowned for its stunning scenery and wildlife. As well as boasting some intriguing geological formations, the river valley is home to a wealth of wildlife including some of the most rare and endangered species of fish. LOCATION SUMMARIES Ross-on-Wye Ross-on-Wye (Welsh: Rhosan ar Wy) is a historic market town, which is dominated by its church spire and situated high on a sandstone cliff overlooking a large loop in the beautiful River Wye. Symonds Yat Rock World famous for its natural river scenery and magnificent viewpoint, Symonds Yat Rock is a heavily wooded limestone outcrop some 500 feet above sea level. Here the River Wye twists and winds its way into a large horseshoe bend, five miles long, in a deeply wooded gorge. TRIP SCHEDULE Start Point
The Hostelrie, Goodrich, Ross-on-Wye
Start Time
18:00 on Day 1
Finish Point
The Hostelrie
Finish Time
17:00 on Day 3
Day One We meet at our hotel in the evening where over a welcome drink we hold a pre-trip briefing, in which we discuss in detail the plans for the next few days. There may also be an opportunity to have an acclimatisation swim in the Wye that evening.
SwimTrek Ltd. 6 Hove Manor, Hove Street, Brighton & Hove, BN3 2DF, U.K. Tel: +44 (0) 1273 739 713 | E-mail: [email protected] | Web: www.swimtrek.com Page 1
River Wye
`
Trip Notes
Day Two We make our way to Ross-on-Wye, from where we start our trip. The Wye Valley Walk follows the river all the way, so you can always get out and walk when you’ve finished swimming. You may be required to wear aqua shoes and a wetsuit on the 1st swim if the river is shallow. The river meanders through farmland before coming to Pencraig Wood where we stop for lunch on the river bank. The afternoon swim takes us past Goodrich Castle, built in the 11th century with commanding views of the River Wye and the picturesque valley of Symonds Yat. The swim finishes at Kerne Bridge a short walk to your accommodation. After the swim you can go and visit Goodrich Castle before relaxing at “The Hostelrie” for the evening. Day Three Up early as we start back at Kerne Bridge and head towards Lower Lydbrook, passing both Thomas and Furnace woods. As we progress, keep an eye out for peregrine falcons and dipper birds, and in the water, water voles, salmon and herring. After a pub lunch in Tumpshill Grove we depart for the most dramatic swim of the trip as we travel through the Symonds Yat Gorge, with its 120m cliff face above us. On arrival at Elliot’s Wood, we take to the track as we walk the final leg of the journey up to Symonds Yat Rock, where we have spectacular views of the swims we carried out that day. Following this, we walk into the hamlet of Symonds Yat (East) for a drink at the 16th century, Saracens Head Inn before heading back by road to our hotel where the tour finishes. TRIP INFORMATION Essential Equipment Checklist In addition to ‘normal’ daily clothes, you will need to bring the following:
ITEM
ITEM
Swimming Costume (x 2)
Towel
Swimming Goggles (x 2)*
Small Daypack
Aqua Shoes / Sandals
Walking Shoes / Sandals
Waterproof Sun Cream
Sweater / Fleece / Waterproof Jacket
*Try to bring 1 clear lens and 1 tinted lens for different light conditions. Swim Hats, Flippers, Rashvests and Wetsuits and Water Bottles SwimTrek will supply swim hats. We will have a limited supply/range of flippers, rashvests and wetsuits available on the trip, but we cannot guarantee sizes for all. If you have your own flippers, rashvest and wetsuit we would recommend you bring these with you in order to maximise your enjoyment of the trip. Please note that SwimTrek will provide water and electrolyte drinks in shared water bottles on your safety boat. If you prefer to use your own drink bottle, please feel free to bring one along. SwimTrek Ltd. 6 Hove Manor, Hove Street, Brighton & Hove, BN3 2DF, U.K. Tel: +44 (0) 1273 739 713 | E-mail: [email protected] | Web: www.swimtrek.com Page 2
River Wye
`
Trip Notes
Swimming Distances Swim
Distance
Swim
Distance
Ross-on-Wye - The Homme
3km
Kerne Bridge - Tumpshill Grove
4km
The Homme - Pencraig Wood
2km
Tumpshill Grove - Elliot’s Wood
4km
Pencraig Wood—Kerne Bridge
3½ km
*Please note these swims are all current assisted. Environmental / Safety Factors relating to River Swimming The River Wye is one of the UK’s cleanest waterways. However, water quality can be an issue with water runoff from fields, Blue Green Algae & Weil’s Disease all possible contaminants. If you do feel unwell at any stage during or after the trip, you should go to your GP immediately, telling them what you have been doing. Temperatures Month
Water Temperature*
Air Temperature*
June
16 ˚C
22˚C
*Temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only. Environmental / Safety Factors relating to River Swimming The River Wye is one of the UK’s cleanest waterways. However, water quality can be an issue with water runoff from fields, with possible contaminants including Blue Green Algae and Weil’s Disease. If you do feel unwell at any stage during or after the trip, you should go to your GP immediately, telling them what you have been doing. Weather Caveat For obvious safety reasons we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out any swims. As a consequence, open water swimming does require an inherent degree of on-trip flexibility, so required changes in the planned itinerary will not be uncommon and will undoubtedly add to the uniqueness of each tour. In extreme circumstances we may have to swim in other bodies of open water in the nearby vicinity Group Size Up to a maximum of 20 people, with three escort canoeists and one swimming guide. GETTING THERE By Car Goodrich is within easy reach of the A40, which connects directly with the M50 motorway, the postcode to get to the The Hostelrie is HR9 6HX. By Train There are no train services direct to Goodrich or Ross-on-Wye. The nearest stations are Gloucester or Monmouth. The is a great taxi service that can take you from the station to the hotel which is Daz’s Taxis, to arrange a transfer please call 07824565900. SwimTrek Ltd. 6 Hove Manor, Hove Street, Brighton & Hove, BN3 2DF, U.K. Tel: +44 (0) 1273 739 713 | E-mail: [email protected] | Web: www.swimtrek.com Page 3
River Wye
`
Trip Notes
Public Transport From Gloucester you catch the No. 33 bus to Ross-on-Wye. From Ross-on-Wye you need to take another bus (Bus No. 34) direct to Goodrich. Check out Hereford bus Info for bus times and further information. PRACTICAL INFORMATION Accommodation The Hostelrie at Goodrich is a 19th Century Gothic styled building. It is situated in the pretty village of Goodrich. Set in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside, The Hostelrie at Goodrich exudes warmth and rural charm. Meals Breakfast is included with your hotel booking, but dinner on both nights is at your own cost. Lunch on the 3rd day is at a local pub, also at your own cost but on the 2nd day, we are in a more remote area and so will provide a hearty picnic lunch for you. Extra Expenses You should bring extra money with you to cover items such as entertainment, meals where applicable, snacks, castle entrance, souvenirs, etc. Passports and Visas The River Wye is in the United Kingdom. If you are from outside the UK, you will require a full passport to enter, that should be valid for six months beyond the expected length of stay. Citizens of the EU do not need a visa to enter. Visa regulations do change, so please check again prior to travel. Vaccinations There are no essential vaccination requirements for the U.K., however you should ensure that your immunity to tetanus and polio is up to date. OTHER INFORMATION If there is any further information that you require before your trip, or if you have any questions whatsoever, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us using the contact details at the bottom of these Trip Notes. Happy swimming!
SwimTrek Ltd. 6 Hove Manor, Hove Street, Brighton & Hove, BN3 2DF, U.K. Tel: +44 (0) 1273 739 713 | E-mail: [email protected] | Web: www.swimtrek.com Page 4
