River Wye, Major river in central Wales and western England
The River Wye rises on Plynlimon mountain in central Wales and sweeps through rolling countryside before reaching the Severn Estuary near Chepstow. Along the way it passes meadows, wooded slopes and small settlements, dropping from upland elevations to sea level.
In 1662, legislation cleared obstacles from the channel to support water transport of coal and timber along the waterway. These improvements turned the river into a key trade route until railways took over in the 19th century.
Along its banks, the Wye Valley became the setting for a famous Wordsworth poem that shaped how people saw nature and inspired early tourism to scenic landscapes. Artists and poets traveled here from the 18th century onward, sketching views and ruins that gave the valley a special place in Romantic culture.
Several access points along the course let visitors paddle on calmer stretches or tackle longer trips through wooded gorges. Rental outlets in nearby towns offer equipment for canoe and kayak trips during the warmer months.
Two separate protected zones cover different habitats, with the upper stretch sheltering cold-water species and the lower stretch protecting tidal wildlife. This split reflects the transition from mountain headwaters to a broad, tidal lower course.
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