Symonds Yat Rock

Admire the picturesque views of the River Wye and surrounding area from this internationally famous viewpoint. Treat yourself to tea and cake from Symonds Yat Rock Cafe, a log cabin-style building which was originally built in 1956 in readiness for the Queen’s visit the following year.

Symonds Yat Rock is home to an Iron Age hillfort built around 2500 years ago. The area is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. The remains of the ramparts can still be seen in the form of a series of banks and ditches.

More recently, Yat Rock and the Wye Valley are known as the birthplace of British tourism. They have been used as a travel destination since the 18th century after they were popularised by the Reverend William Gilpin, the pioneer of the ‘Picturesque’ movement. His writings influenced the popularity of English landscape painting and inspired the Romantic poets.

Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint is well known as one of the best places in the country to watch Peregrine Falcons. However, with a little patience, there are many other birds that you can seen here. Goshawks can be viewed in detail, Sparrowhawks are frequent and breed in the trees in the valley as do Buzzards which can be seen from above whilst soaring. 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 usually nest nearby.

There are waymarked trails linking to the River Wye and over the famous Biblins Bridge, or a choice of circular walks into the forest itself. There is also a cycling trail linking Forest Holidays and Bracelands Campsite to Symonds Yat Rock. There are also orienteering courses available if you’re feeling a little more adventurous.

Follow tourist signs for the Forest of Dean. Take the B4432 from Coleford and Christchurch, heading North. The site is on the left before the steep downhill road to the river.

Symonds Yat Rock is free to those arriving on foot, by bike or by public transport.

The 708 bus runs from Coleford to Symonds Yat Rock. ​​​​​