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  1. Visit the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
  2. Autumn - Leaf Peeping Symonds Yat
  3. Dark Skies in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley - Copyright Callum White
  4. Things To Do - Walks with a View and a Dog in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
  5. Birdwatching Symonds Yat Rock
  6. Wye Valley Symonds Yat
  7. Foxgloves Spring in the Forest of Dean

You are here: Things To Do > Walking > Symonds Yat Rock Walks

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 Bracelands Campsite is a short walk away.

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

Symonds Yat Rock Walking Trails Map


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

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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 fewer hills). You'll see the red and white chalet featured in Sex Education here before arriving at the riverside. There are several pubs and cafes in this picturesque village, canoes launch here and the views of the river and the Symonds Yat West hills opposite are stunning. Head south west along the footpath hugging the River Wye known as The Peregrine Path towards Monmouth. 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 along this path 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 or enjoy the bridge's views and return along the same route. Update 2022: Please check with the Saracens Head Inn if the hand ferry is in operation before beginning your journey. If not, 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 offer 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.
 

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Explore The Area

Find Your Freedom

  1. Symonds Yat Rock
    Symonds Yat Rock
    Internationally renowned viewpoint with fantastic views over the Wye Valley. A car park, cafe and shop are nearby and there are woodland walks all around including down to Symonds Yat East village.
  2. Guided Tours
    Guided Tours
    An opportunity to book an experienced guide to explore the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley by foot. Bespoke tours can often be created or you may wish to join a group or improve your navigation.
  3. Canoeing, Kayaking & Watersports
    Canoeing, Kayaking & Watersports
    The Wye Valley is one of the most scenic places in the UK and an ideal setting for water based adventures. Whether in a canoe, a kayak or on a stand-up paddleboard, take to the water and see this beautiful area as it is meant to be seen - from the river itself.
  4. Birds of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
    Birds of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
    The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is home to a huge variety of birds throughout the year. Some are resident and can be seen in great numbers while others come here for the spring and summer, or autumn and winter. The mosaic of woodland, heathland, bogs and mires, rivers and streams, farmland and grassland habitats provide a rich environment for birds, many of which are nationally rare.
  5. Walking
    Walking
    With acres of ancient forest and a stunning winding river valley, walking is of course one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and there are plenty of options for walkers of all types.
  6. Activities
    Activities
    Whether you're walking, cycling, canoeing, swinging through the trees or climbing up a rock, make the most of our beautiful surroundings by heading outdoors. We've got extreme adventures and beginner's activities, guided tours and heart pumping thrills. Our dramatic landscapes are perfect for all those looking for some outdoor adventures in nature's playground.

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