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The Wye, Woods & Caves

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Symonds Yat
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Symonds Yat
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5.9 miles
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Ending Pub is Dog Friendly
Intro

A gorgeous walk in the Wye Valley which starts in Symonds Yat and follows the River Wye as it carves its way through cliffs and hills on both sides. Trek on through ancient woods, up to the summit to get the heart pumping, before reaching the fabled King Arthur’s Cave.

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Symonds Yat is right by the Wye so a great place to enjoy canoeing or even wild swimming (properly supervised, that is). You'll see a number of limestone kilns along the route. Lime was used for mortar, plaster and so on, the information panels give an insight into the hard work and no little danger involved in the production process. The popular Ye Old Ferrie Inn dates pack to 1473 and nearby you'll see the last hand ferry on the Wye - can you imagine pulling it across? Up above the cliffs, you can detour a little to walk around the Hillfort, which dates back 2500 years. It's a great vantage point to enjoy river valley views. Close by is King Arthur's Cave which is thought to have been occupied 10,000 years ago, and counting.

Hiking Trail recommended route Hiking Trail  · Herefordshire

The Wye, Woods & Caves

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  • Follow the Wye Trail for breathtaking river views and peaceful woodland walks.
    Follow the Wye Trail for breathtaking river views and peaceful woodland walks.
    Photo: Trish Henderson, Visit Herefordshire

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    A gorgeous walk in the Wye Valley which starts in Symonds Yat and follows the River Wye as it carves its way through cliffs and hills on both sides. Trek on through ancient woods, up to the summit to get the heart pumping, before reaching the fabled King Arthur’s Cave.

     

    moderate
    Distance 5.5 mi
    2:35 h
    679 ft
    679 ft
    636 ft
    59 ft
    Symonds Yat is right by the Wye so a great place to enjoy canoeing or even wild swimming (properly supervised, that is). You'll see a number of limestone kilns along the route. Lime was used for mortar, plaster and so on, the information panels give an insight into the hard work and no little danger involved in the production process. The popular Ye Old Ferrie Inn dates pack to 1473 and nearby you'll see the last hand ferry on the Wye - can you imagine pulling it across? Up above the cliffs, you can detour a little to walk around the Hillfort, which dates back 2500 years. It's a great vantage point to enjoy river valley views. Close by is King Arthur's Cave which is thought to have been occupied 10,000 years ago, and counting.
    Logo Visit Herefordshire
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    Visit Herefordshire  Verified partner 
    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    636 ft
    Lowest point
    59 ft
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
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    Aug
    Sep
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    Track types

    Asphalt 25.88%Dirt road 13.07%Forested/wild trail 14.20%Path 34.98%Road 7.80%Unknown 4.04%
    Asphalt
    1.4 mi
    Dirt road
    0.7 mi
    Forested/wild trail
    0.8 mi
    Path
    1.9 mi
    Road
    2251 ft
    Unknown
    1168 ft
    Show elevation profile

    Roadbook

    A nice gentle start from the Old Court Hotel, up into the hills and then back down to reach the car park of the 15th century Ye Old Ferrie Inn, which still operates a hand-hauled ferry across the river.

    Follow the road, passing the lime kilns dating from around 1700 and then Symonds Yat East. Take a moment to read the information sign when you arrive at the site of Mr. Partridge’s Iron Works at New Weir. This was a major attraction to those taking the Wye Tour in the days of William Gilpin, and today it still attracts many visitors to take on the challenge of the nearby rapids.

    Still following the river, walk through Biblins campsite and past a footbridge. There's a nice cafe on your right if you fancy a quick break before the climb that's coming!

    Keep following the river until you reach a stone wall, where you will take a right turn into the ancient woods. Follow the wall up to a limestone kiln then weave your way up the hill, following your map to stay on the right track. Near the end of the climb, you will follow the stone wall in a straight line and reach a wooden fence at the top.

    From here you can take a little detour to see the iron age hill fort before taking the wooden steps into more woodland, leading to King Arthur's Cave. After exploring the caves you may like another short detour to find Seven Sisters Rock for superb views over the River Wye, but best avoided in windy and icy weather; the sheer cliffs need to be approached with great caution.

    Make your way around the south and east perimeter of Leaping Stocks Nature Reserve, then head back down the hill to end your walk, always keeping your eyes peeled for views across the Wye Valley during your descent. Then it's time to kick back over lunch at Old Court Hotel or Ye Old Ferrie Inn.

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    The Old Court Hotel
    King Arthur's Cave Nature Reserve
    Ye Old Ferrie Inn
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    Wye Valley Cruises

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    The Wye, Woods & Caves

    Coordinates

    OS Grid
    SO 55303 17446
    DD
    51.853807, -2.650352
    DMS
    51°51'13.7"N 2°39'01.3"W
    UTM
    30U 524081 5744836
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    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Similar routes nearby

    • Starlit Stroll: Llangrove
    • Wine Walk: Wythall Estate Vineyard
    • Ramble by the Wye
    • Garway with the Ponies
    • Blossom Walk: Westons Cider Circular
     These suggestions were generated by our system
    Difficulty
    moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    5.5 mi
    Duration
    2:35 h
    Ascent
    679 ft
    Descent
    679 ft
    Highest point
    636 ft
    Lowest point
    59 ft
    Round trip Scenic Flora Fauna Dog-friendly

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