Symonds Yat Rockfall update

Works at Symonds Yat Rock complete

Works to install a new rock capture fence at Symonds Yat Rock completed June 2026.

We appreciate everyone's patience and understanding while we carried out these important works.

The new rock capture safety fence 

The new Geobrugg rockfall safety fence has been designed to catch falling rocks before they reach roads, paths, or buildings. These fences help keep people safe in areas where loose rocks or steep slopes pose a risk.  

The new fence has been expertly designed by Stantec Ltd, with the works being carried out by specialist contractor iBEX Technical Access Ltd. The new fence is 3m high, 390m long and is 20 times stronger than the previous fence. It is designed in a way that it can be easily repaired if damaged by future rock falls.  

Changes to walking routes 

Due to the positioning of the new rockfall fence the public right of way that crosses the zig zag track, known as ‘the ambulance track’, is now closed.  People can still walk between the Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint and the river (see map below) using the ‘zigzag’ path.

Climbing at Symonds Yat Rock 

We’re pleased to confirm that all access restrictions have been lifted. If you were familiar with the site prior to the rockfall, please note that the rockface has changed. Descaling works have been carried out, and, following a long period without use, there is likely to be more vegetation present than previously.

The rockface can be accessed via the climbers’ path or by abseiling from above. Please note that the ambulance track is now closed.

We strongly recommend that you refer to the latest information on the The British Mountaineering Council's (BMC) Regional Access Database (RAD) before climbing.

We are very thankful for the support of the British Mountaineering Council (BMC) to help communicate the scale of the works and the  temporary closures to the climbing community.