River Wye - Definition and Overview

This article is about the river that flows along the Anglo-Welsh border, for the river in Derbyshire see River Wye, Derbyshire.

The River Wye (Welsh: Afon Gwÿ) is the fifth-longest river in the UK. Its source is in the Welsh mountains at Plynlimon at 741 metres above sea level. The total catchment area is 4,136 km². It flows through several towns including Rhayader, Hay-on-Wye, Hereford, Ross-on-Wye, Symonds Yat, Monmouth and Tintern. It finally meets the Severn estuary at Chepstow. The Wye itself is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and one of the most important rivers in Britain for nature conservation. Much of the lower valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and forms part of the border between England and Wales.

The Wye is largely unpolluted and is therefore considered one of the best rivers for salmon fishing in Britain, outside of Scotland. It is also a popular river with canoeists due to the relatively slow flowing water, making it good for beginners and the rapids at Symonds Yat which are slightly more challenging. Walkers can enjoy the Wye Valley Walk which follows the route of the River Wye from Hay-on-Wye to Chepstow along a series of well maintained way-marked paths.

The lower 16 miles of the river from Redbrook to Chepstow forms the border between England and Wales. A viewpoint near The Biblins on the Wye is known as 'Three counties view' as it is the meeting place of the counties of Herefordshire, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire.

See also

• Rivers of the United Kingdom