River Wye - 2 day canoe trip, Hereford to Hoarwithy

A two day canoe trip from Hereford to Tresseck campsite at Hoarwithy with an overnight camp on the riverbank inbetween. An easy 16 mile paddle which could probably be paddled in one long day, but I prefer to dawdle and really take in the beautiful surroundings, why the rush? Although I paddled this section of the river mid-week in order to avoid the hire company crowds it was still fairly busy with groups. It’s a more popular section of the Wye compared to further upstream sections.
Music:
The Longest Rest, Alan Ellis. Be Free with Me, Siine. On a Clear Morning, Sunfish Grove. Haunted Heart, Dawn, Dawn, Dawn. Rest, Christian Andersen.
All through: epidemicsound.com
Voiceover recording by David Oliver: davidolivermusic.com

[@cwgray63]

Love your calm voice over Andy. The tone suits so well the subtle layed back style of filming and conveys your personal appreciation of the river and country side so beautifully. Watching your vids enables me to enjoy your exploits without having to trade from the other side of the World. Keep up the awesome work!

[@MrAndyballard]

Always articulate Chris, thanks for your positive comment. I’m not sure a second career as a voice-over artist awaits me though! Dave recorded this v/o for me with a pretty high end professional mic, the quality is exceptional (that might have something to do with me sounding not half bad)! In a perfect moment of synchronicity, I turned on the radio yesterday and listened to a feature on the conflict between anglers and canoeists on the R Wye.

[@carolinebarrell4268]

I love to see the sparkly summer sun reflecting on the water!

[@MrAndyballard]

Even better seeing it from a canoe on the water!

[@adamgarrett141]

Nice vid pal, with you all the way on this being our world and others having a say weather or not where allowed to go ! I'm doing this canoe trip next weekend, looking forward to it a lot now ✌👍💯

[@MrAndyballard]

Nice one... i wish you well, the river levels are low from what ive heard, we could do with a bit of rain!

[@mandycampbell329]

Absolutely stunning Andy. I feel so relaxed after watching this!. Good on you for the rant👍

[@MrAndyballard]

That's a good reaction, thanks Mandy. Well, ya have to rant after seeing such ugliness in the English countryside effectively telling you that you're excluded from it. It's absurd. The same people will tell you they own the river... how's that work then?

[@emma-dt6er]

OMG, did the Ross on Wye river bit and did see a sign, Private beach… Ranted like you as who on Earth are they to tell us this World doesn’t belong to all of us. Well done. Thanks

[@MrAndyballard]

Yep... and it's only going to get worse if this Gov led by clowns have their way with the Crime, Police and sentencing bill - trespass will be made a crime. I.e if you or I set foot on that ‘private’ beach you could be arrested and potentially put in prison for walking on God's earth. You really need to look at this evil bill and let people know. Most are sleepwalking into it because they don't give a sh#t.

[@kamrynloewen6978]

Lovely video, thank you so much for sharing, and as a hiker I completely understand the feeling of disgust seeing these signs stapled and nailed onto trees telling us which segments of the land we can and can't step upon. My only issue are the people who do step on these beautiful banks and forests and leave absolute destruction in their path... I hope some day soon we all can have the sense to maintain the beauty and wildness of nature... Though industry, modern technology, and modern "civilization" are far more destructive as a whole than any individual... There goes my rant lol. Much appreciation to you for sharing this, and I hope to take up canoeing and rowing soon, this video lights a great big fire under me to get started in this summer!

[@MrAndyballard]

Really nice to get such a positive thoughtful comment Kamryn. It's a shame that the people who do leave destruction in their path spoil it for the rest of us countryside lovers. You only need to read some of the more negative comments below to sense the disgust that ‘landowners’ have for people who are not as thoughtful about leaving the place as you find it as you and I are. Who knew that spending a night sleeping on the earth (our birthright) could kick up such ill feeling? This small minded selfishness has to stop, the earth, (our world) belongs to us all. there's a great native American quote about that, that I can't quote off the top of my head right now. Get cracking on canoeing or kayaking... I wish that I started a lot sooner, it's so relaxing and meditative. Do it.

[@kamrynloewen6978]

@@MrAndyballard I can't believe some people could ever find fault with another human speaking about the natural way of the land, without laws and money and corruption... We've become so "civilized" we've forgotten how we're meant to live with our Mother Earth... freely and without man-made and imagined limits... One day those negative "landowners" (owners only in their imagination as the land does not know ownership or control) will realize how right you are. Hopefully sooner rather than later! And when I get out on that kayak or canoe I'll make sure to say a little blessing for you, in thanks for the encouragement and inspiration! Much love 🙏🌏

[@MrAndyballard]

@@kamrynloewen6978 A great book I'd recommend wholeheartedly is Nick Haye's ‘Book of Trespass’, it's a new book and lays bare just what injustices have been done to the people of this land in the name of "civilisation". It's a great history and polemic, but also it asks questions about how we might correct the trajectory in which we're headed, i.e less greed and more common sense and sharing for want of a word. I have to warn you, it does leave you angry about what has been done in the name of ‘progress’.

[@thefitcellcompany]

Thank you for a wonderful video. Three old ladies and a young-un will be doing this stretch next week - so excited

[@MrAndyballard]

You're welcome... three old ladies and a young ‘un 😆in a boat. Get stuck in!

[@lauriebloggs8391]

It's all been said......wonderful and thank you

[@MrAndyballard]

I really do appreciate this positive comment Laurie so thanks. There's been a few negatives on this one lately, seems people don't take kindly to me spending a night on God's earth next to the river.

[@robertgordon5150]

Hi Andy. That stat at the end is unfortunately a sad reflection of the world we live in. Money seems to rule while the less privileged miss out on access to beautiful countryside and waterways. I live on the south coast and despite the numerous inland waterways on my doorstep I am restricted to a few tidal stretches and very short nondescript runs. Attempts to exercise your right of passage is more often than not challenge by angry fishermen or wardens. It makes me sad and angry. I’m tempted to organise a mass paddle akin to what happened on Kinder Scout in the 30s. My rant over! Lovely vid though. I have a trip booked for May next year. Hoarwithy to Redbrook. I’m counting down the days.

[@MrAndyballard]

Couldn’t agree with you more Robert. It does rile me seeing ‘no trespassing’ signs along any river. When you think about it deeply, how on earth can you own a stretch of river…? it’s absurd. It’s moving water for god’s sake. I do like the sound of your ‘mass paddle’ - count me in. Afterall, if the people didn’t take part in the Kinder Scout mass trespass all those years ago would we have the limited access to the countryside that we have now? I doubt it. The Scots have it right, there is an absolute right to roam there (providing you don’t harm cultivated land) how damn sensible that is. I really can’t see it happening here in over-populated and hemmed in and fenced off old England, sadly. If they could tax the air that we breathe above our head I’m sure they’d try.

[@MrAndyballard]

Check out the comment from the ‘guide’ below, funny you mention kinder scout, it was brought up in one chaps reply. These freedoms have been hard won and there is a way to go yet. This beautiful land will be fenced off and out of bounds to all if people don't make a stand. What did our grandparents fight for exactly in two wars? they were told it was for their country... what BS. Who's country exactly? When on return from ’fighting for their country’ large swathes of it were out of bounds to them. Why do we swallow this nonsense.

[@robertgordon5150]

Andy Ballard. This is a subject I fear will not be resolved. Not in my lifetime anyway. I have commented on the post you referred too.

[@Mark--Todd]

Did you ever take the thought further? I'd be there for sure.

[@rqsser1]

Hey dude. Just came across you videos cause I’m looking for a place to kayak with my friend. You have been a great help with ALL your videos. Thanks for making the decision easier for us to do it. Legend. Hope to see on on there. All The best.

[@MrAndyballard]

That's a great comment to receive thank you, glad I can be of some assistance. I've a new vid coming up, it's of a trip from Bradford on Avon Wiltshire down the Avon. A great little day trip and easy to reach if you're in Somerset or Wiltshire. Happy paddling chaps.

[@craftywildcamps]

Another brilliantly filmed trip. Steve.

[@MrAndyballard]

Much appreciated comment, thanks Steve. Got a canoe yet?

[@WyeExplorer]

My home ground steve. He did a good job here.

[@benjaminwhistance4516]

Love your canoe trip videos! Makes me so jealous because I don’t have a canoe

[@MrAndyballard]

Get yourself one Ben ! I promise that you won't regret it one bit. It's given me so much pleasure over the last couple of years.

[@costaskarpi6511]

Lovely video Andy, great filming/editing. I'm hoping to do a stretch near there this September

[@MrAndyballard]

Thanks, I have to say that I enjoyed the Glasbury to Hereford section more as it was less busy and there were more places to stop off without the dreaded ‘keep of my land’ signs every few yards. Tresseck down river it gets even more oversubscribed I'm told, esp. near Ross.

[@TrezenEN]

Doing a similar trip, but from Ross to Monmouth over two days. Looks good!

[@MrAndyballard]

Good luck! The river levels are pretty low right now, only 3cm recorded at Hereford a couple of weeks back!

[@Martin-kq3qw]

FANTASTIC 👍

[@MrAndyballard]

sorry mate, missed this for some reason! thanks 👍

[@wrzlgummidge7663]

Nice one, and a righteous rant! atb

[@MrAndyballard]

not sure why YT doesn't notify of some comments (like this one) cheers! Righteous indeed.

[@costas_karpi]

what a great video, brilliant footage, and music to go with . In fact inspiring! I'm doing the Glasbury to Byford stretch this weekend

[@MrAndyballard]

Thanks, glad you enjoyed it. Glasbury down to Hereford is a lovely stretch of river. I think Byford is right by Monnington falls... (a nice little bit of white water when levels are just right). I think the river levels are quite low at the moment - we could do with some heavy rain. Enjoy your paddle.

[@costas_karpi]

@@MrAndyballard Im not sure if I ever sent you this...but I did this video inspired by your amazing video...love how you put it together ...... kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZLWameQi892laM

[@jackledouxchoosealifenotak164]

Great

[@MrAndyballard]

thanks again Jack

[@jackledouxchoosealifenotak164]

Great video the more comments the more your videos will get recomended from people that have watched

[@f04107180]

Andy Ballard... Hi. I really enjoyed reading the comments and the video, I am so sad that I cannot his a canoe and freely live the river... I really want to wild camp but the hire company have said we can't.,. Could you suggest anything and give us some reassurance. I'm worried we will get in trouble if we stopped to rest for the night. We are probably going to be along the upper or mid sections of River wye. We decided if we used a camp site we will stop locksters pool just so we don't annoy the locals but the freedom of being able to stop anywhere is still really what we want

[@MrAndyballard]

Yes I understand completely. You've only to read some of the negative comments below to see how some selfish people regard the river and it's banks as some sort of private fiefdom excluding the peasants and unwashed. The world belongs to all of us I will never tire of stating that. it's OURS, all of ours. I'm afraid you will get that with hire companies they will tell you that ‘wild camping’ is not allowed. It's just camping to me and will always be that way. The only way round your predicament is to get a canoe of your own. You can find one cheap especially at this time of year after people have had their summer fun and get bored. be respectful, leave no trace, never leave rubbish and what's the harm? There is none.

[@f04107180]

@@MrAndyballard I camped for the first time in Devon this year. Scabbacombe beach... It's was epic... We would always leave it better than we found it... I have to hire the canoe as I can't keep it anywhere... Im not sure if they will want to see proof of camp site bookings but even if I book I'd still be happy to wild camp. Could you offer any key points when deciding where to stop? We would probably not stop near signs, we we are young and not the type to want to get into an argument with anyone or upset anyone.

[@timlloyd9521]

What a great video! Inspired me to do this paddle with my daughter as our first overnighter. Any tips on getting the taxi that will take the canoe, and us, up river?

[@MrAndyballard]

I'm glad it's inspired you, it's a very easy trip. I'd really recommend taking 2 days over it, taking it all in at a leisurely pace, why rush? The guy to sort you out taxi-wise is Kenny's Taxi's, he's all over the web, Instagram etc.

[@timlloyd9521]

@@MrAndyballard Thanks Andy, will give Kenny's Taxis a ring. Looks perfect, and indeed, all for having a nice relaxing paddle. Might see you out on the water one day! Cheers, Tim

[@Mark--Todd]

Superb video and a very fair 'rant'

[@MrAndyballard]

Good on ya Mark, it's OUR world too right?

[@Mark--Todd]

@@MrAndyballard Indeed it is. I'm just about fed up seeing 'no navigation' 'no kayak' signs

[@MrAndyballard]

@@Mark--Todd I've just finished reading Nick Haye's book ‘the Book of Trespass’, it's an incredible read that has made me more determined than ever to walk/swim/paddle/run on the land that I was born into. I'd recommend the book highly.

[@Mark--Todd]

@@MrAndyballard I believe the laws on trespass were changed recently from civil to criminal, although I haven't checked to see if it went through. I'll check out the book though. Many thanks

[@lauriebloggs8391]

More fool them. It shows the greatest appreciation of where we are and where we can be. Where perhaps, we should be?

[@jameslawton4534]

Hi, at 5:00, do you have any details about the frying pan? It looks the perfect size for what i need.

[@MrAndyballard]

Yeah, I'm sure that I bought it in GoOutdoors (Bristol). It's pretty light and stores easily in my picnic basket. They say you can cook a pizza in it too (but I've never tried).

[@onanysundrymule3144]

I am very much liking the land ownership issues you raise. Not many people realise that even a simple paddle on water evokes deep political questions. Winston Churchill himself said in 1909 that land ownership was/is the mother of all monopolies. I shall subscribe for the tremendous videography, the canoeing, and the thoughtful issues you speak of. From the Norman caste system, the dissolution, enclosures, there is little left for roaming, and the term roaming free is almost an ironic joke. Kind regards.

[@MrAndyballard]

Thanks for your comment. Yes, sadly paddling along a river enjoying mother natures splendour pitts you against certain vested interests and minds too small to see that the earth belongs to all of us. How can it not be emotional when someone makes you feel like you're a trespasser in the land of your birth. I'm aware of that quote from Churchill, it's still relevant today - even more so I think. Just read a great book that highlights a lot of these injustices - ‘Who Owns England’ by Guy Shrubsole. If you have a heart beat and a modicum of common sense it cannot fail to make you angry at the inequality of land ownership in this crowded little island.

[@onanysundrymule3144]

@@MrAndyballard Thanks, I'll make a note of that title and look out for it. Kind regards.

[@gbwildlifeuk8269]

The "keep off" in your rant refers to the land, not the river. You camped on the land, owned by whoever bought it, the same as you own your garden if you've bought your house. Do you open your garden for passing strangers to camp on? Or as you said in your previous video, "the hordes"!

[@MrAndyballard]

Ah... the old ‘how would you like people camping in your own garden’ analogy.... yes I've heard that one a lot. But it doesn't stack up unfortunately. You see if my garden were as large as the whole Wye valley I wouldn't give two hoots who cared to spend a night on a very small patch of it (as long as they didn't leave a trace - as I didn't and the many who also choose to spend a night on God's earth). You see, all land ownership is theft when you really look at history. It was taken from the people who once belonged to it, mostly through blood, murder, theft and displacement, that's more or less the history of land ownership in the UK. From the Norman invasion to the theft of the commons, it's exceedingly ugly and unjust. Scotland, Scandinavia and elsewhere in the more enlightened world have more progressive approaches to common land and those who wish to spend the odd night on it. England will eventually get there but it will take a lot of kicking and screaming from the vested interests who wish to keep the peasants off God's earth. You see - we're only caretakers of this planet, no one really owns any of it. I'd heartily recommend Nick Haye's excellent book ‘The Book of Trespass’ to help you understand land and how it's been taken from us.

[@thecellm8tube]

Great video! Stay safe and enjoy the river and if anyone asks why are you camping where there’s a sign say what i always answer when stupid question asked “i can’t read”

[@MrAndyballard]

Nice... i like that approach. I sometimes attempt to answer in Russian but it mostly fails!

[@martinoutdoors6941]

Andy I assume you make/produce/edit film for a living because these canoeing videos are documentary quality? Fantastic voice over. Just great.

[@MrAndyballard]

Now that is a welcome comment this morning Martin, thanks for that. I've moved into editing and making short films from a background in graphic design - mostly short promo pieces and a few weddings. These outdoor short films take a lot of time & effort, but getting comments such as yours makes it worthwhile that the quality is appreciated. It takes a lot more than plonking a GoPro on the bow for the whole trip - uploading the raw footage to YT then calling it a ‘canoe film’! thanks again.

[@martinoutdoors6941]

Andy Ballard Andy the quality shines through, my only comments would be do more and make them a bit longer 😉👍 Seriously they are quality viewing.

[@stusrambles]

I find it quite bizarre that people own the waterways in your beautiful country. At some point surely their will need to be reforms to the antiquated ownership and rights of way laws? Beautiful vid. Going to explore the river for the first time this coming weekend.

[@MrAndyballard]

Well... they think they ‘own’ the waterways, how can one person lay claim to a stretch of moving water? It's bizarre in the extreme. One piece of water is forever on the move, how can that be owned? It's antiquated alright damn right. I'd call it an anachronism from the dark period of enclosure where land was stolen from the people that made a living and livelihood from it. It does need serious reform. I hope you enjoy your paddle, it's a beautiful river.

[@wyeme9047]

I can understand your sentiment but, as an angler who shares this water with you, I fear that not all paddlers are as conscientious as yourself and some are akin to your having to endure the antics of Jet-skiers; how would that upset your day?

[@MrAndyballard]

Well, I've witnessed stag and hen groups in hire canoes - it's not a pretty sight. You'll find that most canoeists that travel great distances to paddle on the Wye love the place as you probably do, it's generally the inconsiderate rowdy hire crowds that spoil it for everyone. The river belongs to all of us not just one group whether that be canoeists or anglers, we need to share it responsibly.

[@wyeme9047]

Yes Andy, the hire company clientele can be the most problematic. It's as much a lack of education/direction of "what to do when approaching Anglers" which isn't difficult and seems to be well practiced by regular paddlers. Perhaps a simple guide produced by "British Canoeing" in partnership with "Wye Salmon Association" would be advantageous? I will suggest it to the Chairman!

[@richlee509]

Fishing is so boring get a kayak and its problem solved

[@wyeme9047]

@@richlee509 In my youth I spent all my time in the water, swimming/diving/surfing as the Gower Coast was my school yard so to speak, but then I hooked my first Salmon and found it just as boring as cliff-diving and not quite so stupid. Never looked back! Each to his own I suppose but it's easier to comprehend the tension between those who share the rivers when they have experience or at least knowledge of both activities. A simple guideline for all is the answer; a highway code for rivers perhaps?

[@imheretocausetrouble2156]

Is this river safe? Want to kayak it

[@MrAndyballard]

Safe? well, all rivers carry an element of risk, it depends on how risk averse you are? It's a beautiful river and one of the most canoed/kayaked in all of the UK I'd say. That says something.

[@imheretocausetrouble2156]

@@MrAndyballard So then therefore it’s relatively safe. I’m a 35 year old male who’s a strong swimmer and knows how to identify danger and not take stupid risks - so I’m just asking you as someone who’s kayak’d this river.. if it’s safe or not and if it’s not, what parts are not worth kayaking?

[@jackledouxchoosealifenotak164]

Comment for the algophritham

[@WildParkin]

Andy, this is a tremendous video. Absolute delight to see, and I could watch it over and over - particularly as we did this same trip ourselves this year - kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWG2i5eomdZ5fJo - and will be doing it again. It was great to look at the same spots we passed too. Brilliant!

[@MrAndyballard]

Completely missed this comment for some strange reason, YT flags them up mostly... but it missed this one. Glad you enjoyed it, it's a great trip, looking fwd to doing the same stretch in the spring again.

[@Guide504]

People do own the river banks and bed........if it is navigable then you may have a right of passage and in some cases Portage. Canoes and kayaks inparticular disturb fish as they give no warning as they are passed over.

[@MrAndyballard]

The Wye has an undisputed public right of navigation (PRN) between the bridge at Hay-on-Wye and Bigsweir bridge on the lower Wye. I fail to grasp the logic of your statement regarding canoes and kayaks disturbing fish?. And what exactly does a hook do then? Fishermen no doubt want a complete monopoly on this beautiful river, but we have to learn to share it, it belongs to all of us. I was born in this land and I refuse to creep around it feeling guilty for placing my feet on it’s earth. Landowners will not be happy until every inch of this beautiful land is fenced off, gated, sign-posted and made out of bounds to all. It’s time to let us, the public, feel at home in our own country, rather than be treated as trespassers in someone else’s land. The right to roam will come make no mistake, Scotland first (what sensible people they are up there), England next.

[@Guide504]

@@MrAndyballard Scotland's law was established in part from clan law where the traveller was entitled to sustain themselves and travel unempeaded, they were permitted to fish and take trout (not salmon). The simple fact in the UK is riparian ownership is law. So how you feel about it is irrelevant. You will if you break it eventually get caught and prosecuted should the plaintiff decide to pursue it. Advocating for others to put themselves potentially in contravention of the law is ill advised and reckless when the consequences of a police record can have a lasting effect on their lives. The right to navigate the river does NOT allow you to trespass as your right is to navigate the water course NOT to acess the privately owned riverbank save noted portage to manoeuvre past fixed obstructions in the water course. The fishing is contentious as it is considered a valuable asset of the ownwer of the rights ( often the land owner but not always). If the river, parts of the Wye for example, is open then the value of the asset is diminished compared to private water and this is accepted, (though grudgingly on occasion). With regard to disturbing the fish, a kayak or canoe will disrupt everthing it passes over a fisherman does not. Even when river fishing from a boat with oars the boatmen are very carful to position the craft so as to not disturb the fish in their known lies. Yes for owners or river managers, they know every inch of their water unlike someone passing through. I am a fishing, hunting and wildlife guide, have worked extensively abroad using various craft to access various wilderness locations and like you the laws of the UK are very frustrating in part when I come back, but they are the laws and must be observed, and ignorance of them is no defence. Lovely journey by the way All the best

[@billybud8178]

@@Guide504 Feudalism has never died in this overcrowded and cowed little island. Value of assets, blah blah blah. To regard a river as an ‘asset’ is a big part of the reason that we’ve messed up the natural environment, it’s this mindset that ensures that profit becomes more important than people. The right to roam remains unfinished business, it’s a reminder that the English remain unwelcome in most of their countryside. How we ‘feel about it’ is most relevant… when people ‘feel’ passionately that they are being denied access to their beautiful countryside they start taking action. Remember the mass trespass at Kinder Scout in the 1930s? Without these brave, principled people taking a stand against what they rightly saw as an injustice - being that they couldn’t walk freely over the moors to relax in nature, near their factories that they toiled in for 6 days a week without some gun totting lackey of the lord sticking his gun in their face. Change doesn’t come without a fight, sometimes you have to challenge authority. The Clear Access, Clear Waters scheme launched by British Canoeing is a good start. I’ll leave you to consider this quote which is just as relevant today as it was one hundred years ago: “The stream invites us to wander. The impulse is so common that it might be set down as an instinct; and certainly there is no more fascinating pastime than to keep company with a river from its source to the sea. Unfortunately this is not easy in a country where running waters have been enclosed, which should be as free as the rain and sunshine to all, and were once free, when England was England still, before landowners annexed them, even as they annexed or stole the commons and shut up the footpaths and made it an offence for a man to go aside from the road to feel God’s grass under his feet” W.H. Hudson 1909.

[@Guide504]

@@billybud8178 Interesting response and if human nature were different, in our perception of a perfect world etc etc... The simple fact is the law. I work extensively in many northern hemispheric ecosystems and where rivers are completely owned from start to finish they are best managed and cared for. Whether the owner is state or private the cohesive approach to the 'Asset' ( thing of value other wise if it was not valued no one would bestow any protection or care upon it) is what gives rise to the greatest environmental protections. The treatment of a river system must be holistic, unfortunately diverse riparian ownership fragments the approach in many ways. Have a look at the way the 'Tweed Foundation' have been trying to conserve the catchment across many stakeholders.

[@Guide504]

@@billybud8178 as far as right to roam forget it. Until people understand that rights are earned by duty they will trash the countryside. I vehemently oppose right to roam and think people should be tested and earn the right to roam by a competence test following a day course minimum on how to behave and respect the land owners and farmers. I.e. no your dog is not under control if it is off the lead. Yes you have to pick up its shit and take it with you to prevent risks to live stock.no you don't throw the bag in the hedge cos you can't be bothered to have a hot steaming pocket! Yes if you let you dog run with live stock it will be shot. No you do not allow your dog to disturb deer/birds/ground game. No you may not interfere with the management of the ground regardless of wether you agree with shooting (it's none of your business). Yes if someone has to sell the fishing to fund the keepers to look after river banks and maintain the watercourse clear for you to navigate where appropriate who else is gona do it. I see day in day out endless opinions and rights activists making their points but bugger all help in the dark cold and wet, or the hot dry long days when the work and commitment needs to be shown to keep the countryside open. Its a working environment, what would people do if I walked my dog off the lead into an office building and let it shit in the cafeteria? Or slung a bag of facies on yr desk on the way out. Those who are interested and caring take the test and are welcome with open arms. Those who are disinterested enough not to take the test and just want to take and not put back can piss off and get prosecuted for roaming without a licence, or worse if they let the dog off the lead! How's that for an idea!

[@aethulwulfvonstopphen8013]

The water access law in Ol’ England sounds tyrannical. How can such a thing as a river belong to any man? I’d imagine my ancestors having hailed from England knew the woes of such a law and that’s why they made it so here in the States, one of the first federal laws said that every navigable river is allowed to be tread by any who feels the want or need. I wish you luck in your pursuit of natural rights, this one among others.

[@MrAndyballard]

Yes, this land has a long, dark history of land theft by murder, enclosure and injustice, no wonder people fled for freer shores when they could. I'm reminded of this quote by JJ Rousseau: ‘The first man who, having enclosed a plot of ground, took upon himself to say “this is mine”, and found people silly enough to believe him, was the real founder of civil society. How many crimes, how many wars, how many murders, how much misery and horror, would have been spared the human race if someone, tearing up the fence and filling in the ditch, had cried out to his fellows: “give no heed to this imposter; you are lost if you forget that the produce belongs to all, the land to none.” ’ Jean Jacques Rousseau 1753.

[@adrianhorgan8944]

A well spoken 'rant', the rivers access throughout the UK also makes me very angry, it is a miniscule amount the public have official access to, given that we have many lovely rivers. How can water be owned, it is a moving thing, we have a right to use rivers, its just the elite and certain game fishermen want it all.

[@MrAndyballard]

I hear you. You wouldn’t believe some of the negative comments I’ve had on a few of my canoe trip vids (just check out the ‘guide’ comments below). Most comments are positive, but this access to rivers issue is a minefield (and it shouldn’t be). It’s a common resource, ie. it’s ours! I think that 97% of rivers are off limits to canoeists and other users be they wild swimmers, paddlers, boaters whatever. The Scots have it right, also the Scandis with their ‘Allemannsretten’ which means ‘every man’s right’. Old England with it’s warped history of enclosures and of powerful vested interests thieving the land from the commoners and screwing over the peasants through bloodshed goes way back. I’ve just read Nick Hayes’s book ‘The Book of Trespass’. It made my blood boil to read what has been perpetrated on the folks of England through the ages - state sanctioned theft and murder it's as simple as that.

[@adrianhorgan8944]

@@MrAndyballard I have just ordered a copy of said book as it looks like a very informative and thought provoking read. The river access in this country is beyond comprehension, it is the same with land ownership, our rights are being erroded further every year and we hardly notice. I get told off by some pompous fisherman for 'trespassing ' on certain rivers, but there is this overlying feeling that they have more right to enjoy it than we do, i mean we, as in any other that wants to enjoy our beautiful rivers whether it be kayak, canoe or swimming. It should be open to whoever wants to connect.

[@MrAndyballard]

@@adrianhorgan8944 I'm with you 100% Adrian. To say a certain group (i.e fishermen) have a monopoly over a river to the exclusion of everybody else is never right. You'll enjoy the book - Nick Hayes has set up ‘right to roam’ website bringing to people's attention the attempt by this Gov to criminalise trespass being debated very shortly.

[@adrianhorgan8944]

@@MrAndyballard I look forward to reading that Andy. I have never canoed the Wye, it is something i have wanted to do for years, so will be looking for info on best routes and stopover for the night. Lovely inspiring video, enjoyed it immensley

[@Guide504]

Despite the signs I managed to trespass over night breaking the law rather than continue on the river as is my lawful right.