Rocks il
Hand ferry i l
B4432
TRAVEL
Symonds Yat
Exploring what ’ s on your doorstep
SYMONDS YAT HISTORY
Symonds Yat is a village in the Wye Valley and a popular tourist destination , straddling the River Wye in the English county of Herefordshire , close to the Gloucestershire border . It is within a few miles of Monmouthshire and the Welsh border . The Wye Valley and Symonds Yat Rock have been used as a travel destination since the 18th century after they were popularised by the Reverend William Gilpin , a famous travel writer of the time . His writings influenced the popularity of English landscape painting and inspired the Romantic poets .
If you walk to the viewpoint , you will pass banks and ditches next to the path . These are the remains of the ramparts of an Iron Age hillfort built around 2500 years ago . The ramparts defended the southern side of this small triangular promontory . The other two sides were protected by the steep cliffs of the Wye Gorge .
Although most Iron Age people lived in small farmsteads , they spent time and labour building hillforts which overlooked and were visible from the surrounding countryside . There are nine known hillforts around the Lower Wye Valley . Some were defended settlements , perhaps the home of local chieftains and centres for the storage or distribution of goods . Their ramparts were both defensive and a statement about the prestige of the inhabitants . Others may not have been permanently occupied , but were meeting places for markets or festivals which could have been used as a place of refuge in times of trouble . This site probably fell out of use towards the end of the Iron Age , between about 50 BC and the Roman invasion of Britain in AD 43 .
SYMONDS YAT TODAY
CYCLING & WALKING in the forest
Check out the forest code and prepare for a walking & cycling adventure . . .
Emergency info
Name and grid ref . of main visitor location : Symonds Yat Rock . SO562156
Nearest access road : B4432 from Christchurch .
Mobile phone coverage : Good around main facilities , poor on trails .
Nearest public payphones : On the public road , east of the hill fort .
Safety info
If you visit today , you can admire the picturesque views of the River Wye and surrounding area from this internationally famous viewpoint or discover the ancient hill fort , spot birds of prey and enjoy a snack from the log cabin cafe . The café was built in 1956 in readiness for the Queen ’ s visit in 1957 . The café sold cups of tea , homemade ice cream and post cards back in the day . Today you can buy an array of hot and cold drinks , food and snacks .
There are waymarked trails linking to the River Wye and a choice of circular walks into the forest itself .
Mountain biking is a potentially hazardous activity carrying a significant risk . It should only be undertaken with a full understanding of all inherent risks . These guidelines must always be used in conjunction with the exercise of your own experience , intuition and careful judgement .
Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint is well known as one of the best places in the country to watch Peregrine Falcons .
Symonds Yat
Rock
Embrace spectacular views , watch peregrine falcons from Symonds Yat Rock and enjoy
riverside walks alongside the scenic River Wye
Symonds Yat Rock trails
Symonds Yat Trail 2 km ( 1.2 miles ) 45 mins This circular walking trail follows tracks through the Iron Age fort and attractive woodland .
Mailscot Wood Trail 6 km ( 4 miles ) 2 ½ hours Absorb a panoramic view of the river and pass through a wonderful mosaic of trees on this challenging hilly walk .
Bracelands to the Wye
2.6km ( 1.6 miles ) 1 hour A simple route that follows a forest track from the southern edge of Bracelands . Look out for cars and coaches that also use this track .
Woodlands Trail 1.6 km ( 1 mile ) 35 mins Take an easy circular walk on well surfaced trail through mixed woodland .
Christchurch to Symonds Yat Walk 5.2 km ( 3.2 miles ) 1 ½ hours
This level to gently sloping linear track runs direct to Symonds Yat Rock .
Minor injuries Unit : Dilke Hospital , Speech House Road , Cinderford GL14 3HZ
Nearest A & E hospital : Gloucestershire Royal Hospital , Great Western Road , Gloucester GL1 3NN In case of emergency : Call 999 . Inform the Forestry Commission t : 0300 067 4800 ( Mon to Fri , 9am – 3pm ) e : westengland @ forestryengland . uk
Routes may change owing to tree felling and other forest operations . Please keep dogs under control . No motorbikes , quadbikes or horses are allowed on the trail .
The Highmeadow Trail 17 km ( 11 miles ) 5 hours The Ramblers ’ circular forest walk is rewarding , but with steep gradients and muddy in places . full , detailed route available from fodramblers . org . uk
Symonds Yat Rock to Biblins Loop 4.5km ( 2.8 miles ) 1 ½ hours This route is not specifically waymarked , but follows public footpaths . Start by descending steep steps to join the Peregrine Path . Cross the river over the bridge and return along the public footpath .
Bracelands Cycle Trail Short loop : 2.8 km ( 1.75 miles ) 20 mins cycle , 1 hours walk ( Green Easy ) A short circular route that follows a level to gently sloping forest track .
Symonds Yat Rock Cycle Trail 5.2 km ( 3.2 miles ) 25 mins cycle , ( 1 ½ hours walk ( Blue Moderate ) A track through woodlands , with one steep downhill section . Cyclists should dismount around Symonds Yat Rock . This route can also be taken on foot .
How our cycle trails are graded
Green Easy
Suitable for : Beginners in good health with basic bike skills . Most types of bike . Trail : Relatively flat and wide .
Blue Moderate
However , there are many other birds that you can see here . Goshawks can be viewed ; Sparrowhawks are frequent and breed in the trees in the valley as do Buzzards which can be seen from the rock . Ospreys also often stop here in the spring and autumn migration . Tawny Owls are sometimes seen roosting and hooting males are occasionally heard during the day . Barn Owls , Ravens and Kestrels also nest nearby .
It seems like it ’ s always been a popular destination with buses full of people arriving for day trips . The Rock has been visited by lots of famous characters over the years ; ranging from Anthony Hopkins and Deborah Winger when they were filming Shadowlands , to Sir Cliff Richard and Coronation Street stars to name but a few !
Pereg r i n e Path
King Arthur ’ s Cave
H i g h m e a d o w W o o d s
Seven
Sisters
Peregrine Path 5.2 km ( 3.1 miles ) 25mins cycling or 1 ½ hours walk This Sustrans route connects Symonds Yat East and Monmouth . sustrans . org . uk
Red Difficult
Suitable for : Riders in good health with basic off-road riding skills . Basic mountain bikes . Trail : Some ‘ singletrack ’ sections & small obstacles of root & rock .
Forest Cycle Code
Black Severe
Don ’ t rely on others Can you get home safely ? Carry the right equipment and know how to use it . For your safety
Orange Extreme
Wear the right safety clothing ; a cycle helmet and gloves . Cycle within your abilities . Look first ! only tackle jumps and other challenges if you are sure you can do them . Train properly , especially for difficult and technical routes .
Biblins youth campsite ( pre-booked groups only )
Bracelands to the Wye Tr a
The river crossing on The Highmeadow Trail and the Symonds Yat Rock to Biblins loop ( return loop ) is only possible when river levels allow the running of Saracens Head hand ferry . To check , call The Saracens Head on 01600 890435 .
Bracelands Cycle Trail
Highm eadow
Symonds Yat Rock
• Cafe
• Stunning view
• Walking trails
• Iron Age hillfort
• Peregrine falcon viewing
Forest roads
Forest road & similar
Trail
Camping in the Forest Bracelands
Suitable for : Cyclists in good health . Map reading useful ( routes not always marked ). Most bikes . Trail : Gradients can vary . Surfaces may be uneven or potholed in places . Look out for vehicles & other users .
On and off road
Mailscot Wood Trail
Woodlands Trail
Symonds Yat West
M a i l s c o t W o o d
Symonds Yat Rock Cycle Tra
Expect the unexpected . Watch out for other visitors . Stay safe : always follow warning signs and any advice you are given . If a vehicle is loading timber , wait for the driver to let you pass . Cycle carefully & come back soon !
Symonds Yat East
Forest Holidays
Christchurch to Symonds Yat Walk
Key Parking Pay & display Toilets Viewpoint Cafe
Christchurch
Camping Caravanning Surfaced path Forest track Forest path
0 200 400 600 m forestryengland . uk
ARRC Social Club the imjin SUMMER 2021
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