Visitor information

Admire the picturesque views of the River Wye and surrounding area from this internationally famous viewpoint

Discover the ancient hill fort, spot birds of prey and enjoy a snack from the log cabin cafe.

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 Camping in the Forest site at Bracelands to Symonds Yat Rock.

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.

Food and drink

Symonds Yat Rock Café in Autumn

Symonds Yat Rock Café

Enjoy freshly prepared food, homemade cakes, ice cream and drinks while taking in the spectacular views of the Wye Valley from this traditional log cabin-style café.

From Symonds Yat Rock there are waymarked trails linking to the Forest Holidays campsite, to the River Wye and a choice of circular walks into the forest itself.

Discover the ancient hill fort, look out for birds of prey and then enjoy a snack from the log cabin café.

Spending time amongst the trees and really noticing nature is scientifically proven to boost our mental and physical health. Follow the trail to take a mindful walk through the forest that invites you to really relax.

What to expect

Themed panels along the trail will invite you to pause, notice and connect with the forest environment around you.

A forest wellbeing journal is also available to help you get even more benefit from the experience, offering additional mindful things to do while you’re out in the forest and at home.

Get your copy on-site from Symonds Yat Rock Café or download your forest wellbeing journal before you visit.

About the route

Follow the yellow arrows from the accessible car park near the café to the start of the trail.  Enjoy the tranquillity of the surroundings as you pass through the attractive woodland.

The trail is 2km (1.2 miles) long and is undulating, with one small steep downhill towards the end, and a slight incline back to the car park. The route uses a mixture of wide surfaced stone tracks and narrower unsurfaced paths. 

This trail is supported by Sport England using National Lottery funding.

Visitors with permanent or temporary limited mobility can hire one of two ‘Walking with Wheels’  trampers through the Countryside Mobility Scheme.

Trampers are off-road mobility scooters, which are easy to use and able to tackle a range of surfaces and gradients come rain or shine. You do not have to be registered disabled to hire a Tramper.

Maps of the routes will be provided when hiring.

Hire rates 

Price per Tramper: £2.50 per hour.

If you are not already a member of Countryside Mobility, becoming one is quick and easy and will be part of your induction (£3 for one-off hire, £5 for 2 weeks, £15 for 1 year). You can then use Trampers at around 50 other beauty spots around South West England.

Booking

Bookings for Symonds Yat Rock are nade through Forest Holidays by calling  01594 837165

 

 

These trampers are provided by the Countryside Mobility Scheme, which is supported by Forest Voluntary Action Forum. Originally started by the Foresters' Forest Heritage Lottery funded programme, the tramper scheme continues thanks to funding from the Barnwood Trust and Forest of Dean Ramblers Association.

Try your hand at orienteering, a map reading challenge for all levels. The aim for everyone is to navigate between control points marked on an orienteering map. If you are feeling competitive, the challenge is to complete the course in the quickest time.

At Symonds Yat Rock there are 6 orienteering courses available for you to enjoy. There are two possible starts and finishes:

Forest Holidays - The Christchurch start is on the public footpath leading towards Symonds Yat Rock, 200m down the road from the Forest Holidays Retreat reception building. Biblins campsite - The Biblins start is at the south end of the suspension bridge over the Wye.

There are 3 courses available from each start/finish location: Easy, Medium and Hard. The difference is a combination of length and physical and navigational difficulty.

Easy: the posts will be on or close to paths Medium: the posts are a little further from paths and you gain from cutting through the forest Hard: involves mostly running through the forest rather than on paths.

The posts all feature QR codes so you can use the free MapRun app to record your times (using either your phone/watch GPS or the QR codes). As well as the six courses, there are two "score" courses available here in MapRun, where you visit as many controls as you can (in any order) within the 1 or 2 hour time limit.

All courses have been developed in partnership with the North Gloucestershire Orienteering Club.

For younger explorers, try Gruffalo orienteering at Mallards Pike.

Nordic Walking in the forest

Trails map for Symonds Yat Rock

Download a map of our trails to help plan your visit.

Nearby forests

Cafe at Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean

Beechenhurst lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, one of Britain's oldest and largest woodlands.

It is the ideal place for families to start their forest adventure, with a family activity trail, large forest-themed play area and Go Ape high ropes course. Explore the forest on foot using one of our walking trails, or bring your bikes and visit the wider forest using the Colliers Trail - our family-friendly cycling route.

Rider on cycling trail in the Forest of Dean

Forest of Dean Cycle Centre (formerly known as Cannop Cycle Centre) has something for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Try the Family Cycle Trail or test yourself on the singletrack trails and demanding downhill runs. We also have several skills areas for different abilities, plus a pump track - to help you hone your skills.

Lakeside view at Mallards Pike

There is something for everyone at this beautiful lakeside setting.

Adrenaline seekers can challenge themselves at Go Ape Tree Top Challenge. For those with energy left to burn there is Forest Segway or a range of running trails from 2km to 10km routes.

Family paddling in a brook

Wenchford is a beautiful spot nestled deep within the forest with plenty of picnic tables and an easy access path.

Blackpool Brook trickles through the site under the dappled shade of the large oak trees. The paddling area is the perfect place to cool down in the hot summer months.

Membership invitation - click to find out more about membership
Volunteer with us invitation - click to discover volunteer opportunities across England