Questions and Answers

Tipi Adventure is a unique experience in the UK so you can be forgiven in having loads of questions. Hopefully, these will cover most of them.

If I book what happens next?
Upon booking you will be sent all the appropriate details including directions and details of what to bring in a confirmation pack.

What things will I need to bring?
Generally other than spare clothes and your own food and drink the answer is very little. We see it as our job to provide the things you need and make your adventure a comfortable and memorable one.

Do I have to take all food and equipment with me in the canoe?
Because we provide almost all you need you can leave all of the conventional camping clutter at home! Any personal effects and valuables you will need to take with on the river including any snacks, lunch or drink while paddling on the river your first day. When you first arrive we’ll provide you with cool boxes and frozen blocks. Fill up the cool boxes with your remaining food and drink and you will find them waiting for you in your tipi upon your arrival! Those booking a 3 day adventure can leave their cool boxes in their first tipi as these will be taken to your next tipi site for you.

What happens when I arrive for a tipi adventure?
You will be greeted by a member of our staff at a farm just outside Ross on Wye. You will be provided with all the canoeing equipment you need for your adventure. After a safety brief you will be taken to your start point (your car remains parked as we escort you to the river) before you enjoy paddling down the River Wye. You will be given a detailed map of the river showing the location of your tipi.

How much canoeing will we do each day?
We offer a variety of options that cater for groups of different abilities. All our options cater for families that want to “enjoy the river” rather than “endure the river” The maximum estimated paddling time for the longest day is approximately 7 hours.

Do I have to put up the tipi?
You won’t have to read any instructions, wrestle with a tent bag or bang in any tent pegs! Your tipi will be set up and all ready for you.

What will I find inside the tipi?
Each tipi has a natural matting floor, sheepskin rugs, futon sofas (that become beds with extra thick mattresses), sleeping bags & liners, pillows, a fire pit, a kitchen area with all crockery & cooking utensils provided, a light, cool box, BBQ & BBQ coals, lighting equipment and two handheld warm showers.

What will I find outside the tipi?
A small discrete shower area, an outside fire pit for each tipi, a wooden table, a loo, drinking water, firewood and acres of peaceful riverside beauty.

What won’t I find around the tipi?
You will not find any sign of electricity, generators, other tents or fellow campers with cars etc. This is a very remote, spectacular yet comfortable adventure experience.

How do I cook my food?
BBQ (BBQ coals provided of course) in or outside the tipi. There is also a small portable gas stove provided.

What sort of cooking equipment is provided?
We provide mugs, cups, cutlery, plates & bowls, kitchen utensils, a frying pan, pots and a kettle.

Will there be lots of other people camping near me?
Certainly not, this is an exclusive experience! All our tipi sites are at least 4 acres or much more, yet we allow only very few tipis on each site typically only 2 tipis. Some families join together to book as one group thereby securing a whole tipi site to themselves. The tipis are fairly well spread apart.

Will the tipi and the bedding be clean?
We will have fully serviced your tipi just before you arrive including changing any bedding ensuring all sleeping bag liners and pillow slips are machine washed beforehand.

What happens when I finish?
Close to the finish on your last day you should call us from a mobil telephone and we’ll pick you up and take you back to your car. If we haven’t heard from you we’ll still be waiting (at a predetermined time and location).

I am uncertain about paddling in a canoe?
All our canoes are “open boats” i.e. the traditional Canadian canoes. Canadian Canoe hire is an established summertime family activity on the river Wye. On the stretch of river we use it is generally calm water although the river does naturally flow quicker in certain parts. Beginners are very welcome. Everyone receives a safety brief which includes a dry land capsize drill. However, if you are still uncertain on your ability to handle a canoe why not receive instruction from one of our qualified instructors at Forest Adventure during a morning or afternoon canoe session before you come.
See www.forestadventure.co.uk

I am still uncertain how safe I would feel in a canoe?
For certain (short trips only) we can tie canoes side by side (rafted together) to give you extra stability and peace of mind. However, our preference, as shown during our safety brief, is to encourage you to learn to enjoy the canoe the way it was designed to be paddled! If however, you feel you are likely to require you canoe to be rafted together please state this at the time of booking.

What if I fall in?
No problem as we provide buoyancy aids for everyone and “dry bags” for items such as spare clothes and valuables.

How many people can fit in a canoe?
Our canoes are 17’ long and are designed to accommodate two people, although with an extra seat placed in the middle they can take up to a maximum of three adults fairly comfortably or two adults and two small children.

What if the weather is awful?
Our tipis are designed to stand inclement conditions, but if you are cold, wet or both we suggest you warm up by having a fire inside the tipi. (Wood, & fire lighters all supplied).

Can I stay a second night in the same tipi?
Yes, provided this has been booked beforehand.

Do you accommodate stag or hen parties?
Sorry this is a family orientated adventure and not suitable for such groups. Please see our canoe bivi activity as a stag or hen party alternative.

Do you allow pets?
Sorry, no pets allowed

Is tipi adventure open all year?
We currently operate this particular activity during the summer months June – Sept but this is subject to review with a possibility of expanding the season.

Is there a minimum age?
We usually require that children must be aged 4 or more to participate in our tipi adventure

Are Tipi Adventure staff available during my adventure?
Your adventure has been designed so we don’t appear to be in the way of your family or group experience. Usually from start to finish you’ll be left alone but we do provide an emergency contact number should the need arise.

Can I look at my tipi site(s) ahead of time or drive to a tipi site to drop off luggage?
You shouldn’t be taking much luggage! I am afraid in an effort to retain the peace and tranquillity for existing customers we only allow customers to visit our website ahead of time.