Closed for the day. Open tomorrow from 8am.
Breakfast before the canoe launch at Kerne Bridge
Godric's Café at The Hostelrie. Way in: round the back of The Hostelrie, through the pub garden.
Kerne Bridge is where the River Wye runs below Goodrich. The canoe launch is on the Walford side of the bridge; the Goodrich Court fishing beat is on this stretch. Godric's Café is inside The Hostelrie pub in Goodrich village, about 15 minutes' walk up the lane from the river. We open at 8am Tuesday to Sunday, so you can eat before a 9am launch, and we serve lunch Tuesday to Saturday until 4:30.
Canoeists and kayakers
The launch. Kerne Bridge canoe launch is owned by Walford Parish Council and run in season by a contractor. About 30 car spaces, a preparation area and a ramp, with access for operators' buses and trailers. Parking is charged. The season runs April to September. Walford Parish Council: canoe launch
Trips that start or finish here. Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat is the standard half day, about three hours on the water. Ross-on-Wye to Kerne Bridge is about two hours and the first half of a full day to Symonds Yat. Operators suggest Kerne Bridge or Lower Lydbrook as the lunch stop. Some half-day trips from Kerne Bridge start at about 9am and 1pm. Prices and times change, so check with your hire company.
How to use us. Breakfast from 8 before a 9am launch: a bacon brioche bun (from £6) is quick; a full English is about £13. Lunch from 11:30 before a 1pm launch, Tuesday to Saturday. If you are finishing at Kerne Bridge, we are up the lane and we close at 4:30. Coffee and food to take away, too.
Where to find the hire firms. Most Wye canoe hire operators are based at Symonds Yat West and East and shuttle to Kerne Bridge. We don't hire boats. We serve breakfast and lunch.
Anglers
Salmon. The Wye salmon season usually runs from early March to mid-October; check the Wye & Usk Foundation for this year's dates. Salmon and sea trout must be released; barbless hooks; no bait fishing for salmon.
Coarse. The statutory close season on English rivers is 15 March to 15 June inclusive; coarse fishing reopens 16 June.
Goodrich Court beat. Just over a mile of double-bank water a few miles below Ross-on-Wye, booked through the Wye & Usk Foundation's Fishing Passport. Listed as salmon water, £50 a day, maximum four rods, fly only before noon, catch and release at all times, with a ghillie Tuesday to Sunday. Prices change; check the listing.
How to use us. We open at 8. Have breakfast before you go down, or come up for lunch when the fly-only morning is over. We will fill your flask.
Getting between the river and the café
From the canoe launch, walk up the lane into Goodrich; allow about 15 minutes. The Hostelrie is the stone building with the spire in the middle of the village. The café entrance is round the back, through the pub garden. If you are driving, leave the launch car park and follow signs for Goodrich. Free parking at The Hostelrie.
When we're open
| Day | Godric's Café | Also |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Closed | |
| Tuesday to Saturday | Breakfast 8am to 11am · Lunch 11:30am to 4:30pm | Coffee, cakes and pastries whenever we are open |
| Sunday | Breakfast 8am to 10:30am · Coffee and pastries until midday | Sunday roast in The Hostelrie, 12 to 3:30pm (last orders). Booking essential: book with The Hostelrie |
Questions
Is there anywhere to eat near Kerne Bridge canoe launch?
Godric's Café is about 15 minutes' walk up the lane from the launch, inside The Hostelrie pub in Goodrich. Breakfast from 8am Tuesday to Sunday, lunch 11:30am to 4:30pm Tuesday to Saturday.
Where can I get breakfast before canoeing on the Wye?
Godric's Café in Goodrich opens at 8am Tuesday to Sunday, an hour before a 9am launch at Kerne Bridge. A full English is about £13, a bacon brioche bun is from £6, and coffee from £3.50.
What time do canoe trips start from Kerne Bridge?
It depends on the operator. Some half-day trips from Kerne Bridge start at about 9am and 1pm. Check with your hire company.
Is there parking at Kerne Bridge canoe launch?
Yes, about 30 spaces, charged, in season (April to September). Free parking at The Hostelrie.
Can I stop for lunch mid-trip at Kerne Bridge?
Pull out at the launch and walk up to Goodrich, about 15 minutes. Lunch at Godric's is served 11:30am to 4:30pm, Tuesday to Saturday. Ask your hire company where you can leave the boats.
When is the salmon season on the Wye?
Usually from early March to mid-October, catch and release only; check the Wye & Usk Foundation for this year's dates. The coarse season on English rivers runs 16 June to 14 March.