Hand Ferry Repair and Back In Action for Summer!

Apologies to anyone who has wanted to use the ferry since February.

As well as waterborne checks, every few years we remove the ferry from the water for a more comprehensive inspection.

The ferry is sandblasted, potential problems are identified and rectified, and it is resprayed.

In February 2025, the 2.5 ton boat was lifted out of the river and transported it to Stewart Hopper and Cliff Hiscox at Hereford Gas, near Callow.

Any rusty bits were stripped out and replaced with new metal, both fore and aft decks were replaced, and the ferry was given a new lease of life. New steps were also constructed, from the original design.

When back in the water, the non-slip decking was put onto the deck, and the seating was refurbished.

Hand Ferries have been operating on the River Wye for hundreds of years and we are very happy to continue this tradition.

Before

After