Symonds Yat Rock
A leisurely walk (riverside) in Gloucestershire, England, about 4.80km (2.98 mi) long with an estimated walking time of about 1:30h. It is suitable for families with children, but unsuitable for prams & pushchairs, wheelchairs.
Elevation Profile
Ascent
122m (400ft)
Descent
127m (416ft)
Max. Elevation
160m (524ft)
Altitude Gain & Loss
249m (816ft)
Start & End
English Bicknor
Distance
4.80km
(2.98mi)
(2.98mi)
Duration
~1:30h
Difficulty
Leisurely
Ordnance Survey Map
This walk in the Wye Valley takes you past one of the region's most famous attractions - the rapids at Symonds Yat Rock. Beloved by canoeists, a group of whom bought the rapids in 2003, it's the highpoint of a lovely walk in this wonderful valley. The area also attracts birds of prey, including peregrine falcons, buzzards and goshawks. The region has a good network of buses for getting about. http://www.wyevalleyaonb.org.uk
Walk Functions
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Waypoints
OS Grid SO580156
Start in the village of English Bicknor. By the church, look for the road called Balls Hill.
OS Grid SO578158
At the bottom of the hill, turn right, following the Coldwell Walks sign. Just ahead is a footpath on the left.
About 0.26 km (~0.16 miles) from 
OS Grid SO571154
The path leads across some fields above the river.
About 0.72 km (~0.45 miles) from 
OS Grid SO565154
The track joins the road at Redinhorne. Head right along the road to the footpath on the opposite side. This takes you to a Forestry Commission car park. Head through the picnic area to the refreshments hut.
About 0.63 km (~0.39 miles) from 
OS Grid SO563160
Go to the viewpoint for a look out across the river valley.
About 0.69 km (~0.43 miles) from 
OS Grid SO565159
The footpath weaves through the woods for a bit to lead you to the riverside path, the Wye Valley Walk.
About 0.30 km (~0.19 miles) from 
OS Grid SO568157
Follow the riverside path through the valley, past the impressive Symonds Yat Rock - popular with kayakers. The steep gorge is also home to many birds of prey, so worth lingering here for a while to scan the skies.
About 0.30 km (~0.19 miles) from 
OS Grid SO573158
On the meander, take the footpath heading up through the woods.
About 0.49 km (~0.3 miles) from 
OS Grid SO579161
This path leads you back up to the road near English Bicknor.
About 0.73 km (~0.45 miles) from 
Back to the villageOS Grid SO581158
Another path takes you back to the village. Lots of info about where to eat, sleep and drink in the village here: www.englishbicknor.org.uk
About 0.35 km (~0.22 miles) from 
1 comment... join the discussion!
Sandra Davis
Very nice walk. My criticism is that the instructions are not very clear with no landmarks to look for as we got lost. And no alternative route if there is cows around. Not everyone likes cows. We had to find another route half way from point 3 because cows were on the track.