Symonds Yat Rock Walks

With one of the most iconic views in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, Symonds Yat Rock is often a must see for visitors to the area. So why not make a day of it and enjoy one of the many nearby walks as well? There are circular walks, pub walks, trails which take in some famous filming locations, short walks and long walks, several spectacular viewpoints and of course varied ancient woodland filled with the sound of birds, flora and fauna to enjoy.

You can start many walks from Symonds Yat Rock itself which has a car park, well stocked cafe and toilets. In fact there are waymarked trails in just about every direction! You are high above the River Wye here which horseshoes around the rock, so you can either choose a relatively flat route south into the Forest of Dean or head down towards the river itself and enjoy a range of riverside walks to the west or east. Many of the trails are waymarked by colour and are fairly easy to follow and with so many to choose from there is surely something for everyone.

Below are a variety of walking route options for you to choose from:

Christchurch to Symonds Yat Rock

You can begin this walk at either end and return the same way for a simple, easy to follow, beautiful forested walk. The route is between Symonds Yat Rock and Christchurch in the Forest of Dean next to the Forest Holidays site. There is a lovely cafe and shop at Forest Holidays and Forest of Dean Adventure is based here as well offering high ropes, archery and an assault course if you'd like to make a day of it.

This 1.9 mile path is fairly straight and flat (there is one small ascent), good even in the winter and great for birdwatching. The majority of the walk is under the forest canopy offering respite from the sun in summer.

This is also the route to take if you hire one of the off-road trampers from Forest Holidays. Perfect for those with mobility issues you can still enjoy a stunning day out in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, gorgeous views and stop at a cafe without missing out.

Length (circular): 3.8 miles (1.9 miles each way)
Total ascent: 70.89ft
Trailmarker: Yellow arrow

Mailscot Wood Circular

This less well known walk provides expansive views of Symonds Yat and the River Wye to rival the views from the rock itself. It is a slightly more challenging walk including a descent and climb down to the river itself not far from Biblins Bridge but can also easily be shortened if you would like to make use of the trail but not complete the entire route.

Begin at Symonds Yat Rock car park and head west following the Mailscot Wood Trail pink signs and before long you will be rewarded with clifftop views of the valley below.

Length (circular): 4.4 miles
Total ascent: 400ft
Trailmarker: Pink arrow

Symonds Yat Rock - Biblins Bridge

Beginning at Symonds Yat Rock head down the steep hillside path to the right of the cafe towards the village of Symonds Yat East (you can also drive down the road and park at Symonds Yat East if you prefer less hills). You'll see the red and white chalet featured in Sex Education here before arriving at the riverside. There are pubs and cafes in this picturesque village, canoes launch here and the views of the river and Symonds Yat West hills opposite are stunning. Head south west along the footpath hugging the River Wye known as The Peregrine Path. Slightly above you is a cycle path which offers an off-road route to the Welsh town of Monmouth 5 miles away.

Around 1.3 miles from Symonds Yat East is Biblins Bridge, a wooden suspension bridge over the River Wye. From here you can extend your journey in many directions. The recommended route is to cross here and return along the footpath and hand ferry to Symonds Yat East if it is in operation which is seasonal or enjoy the bridge's views and return along the same route. Update 2021: Due to social distancing the hand ferry is not yet operational. We recommend returning via Biblins Bridge.

Length (circular): 3.8 miles (1.9 miles each way)
Total ascent: 400ft
Trailmarker: none

For a longer walk, cross Biblins Bridge and head onto part of the HighMeadows Trail taking in King Arthur's Cave (used in the Guy Ritchie film King Arthur) and Seven Sisters Rock.

Another option is to head south from Biblins Bridge towards the Lady Park Wood Nature Reserve and see the Staunton Suck Stone and Near Hearkening Rock which also offers beautiful views over the valley.

For a shorter alternative, see our circular walk from Symonds Yat East which begins with the hand ferry and provides a return via Biblins Bridge. This is one of our 12 Easy Walks.

Lydbrook Black Bridge Circular

Heading down the east side of Symonds Yat Rock you get to enjoy getting up close to the limestone Coldwell Rocks where Peregrine Falcons nest and walk part of the national trail the Wye Valley Walk to the Black Bridge on the edges of the village of Lydbrook before returning on the opposite side of the Wye via Huntsham Bridge.

Length (circular): 7.9 miles
Total ascent: 400ft
Trailmarker: none

Other Activities at Symonds Yat Rock

Symonds Yat is a hotstop for outdoor adventure activities. With limestone cliffs, caves, rapids and acres of ancient forest it lends itself to everything from rock climbing and abseiling to caving, mountain biking, high ropes, archery, and of course watersports including canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Or why not consider a guided walking tour, a wildlife safari or birdwatching experience or a guided water-based experience for your group? There is something for everyone in our stunning forest and wild river valley.

Click here for a map from Forestry England featuring several of the routes around Symonds Yat Rock. We recommend printing the map and familiarising yourself with the routes before beginning.