This walk starts by gently descending and following a coniferous woodland track towards the River Wye. We cross the river via the Bibblings rope suspension bridge where we then follow the beautiful River Wye. We will have a short stop with the opportunity to buy an ice cream. We then continue and then shortly climb a very steep hill through Yew tree woodland towards king Arthur’s Cave. After a brief look around the cave, we continue through deciduous woodland following a high escarpment with tantalising occasional glimpses of the valley and river below.
Next we gently descend towards the river again where we have lunch on a grassy bank next to the river. After lunch we continue to follow this breath-taking river with all its undulations, rapids and varied wildlife. Next we cross the river using the ancient pedestrian ferry towards the Saracens Head Pub. Please have change to the value of £2.00 to pay the ferry man/woman. We will stop at the pub for a break where we can get a lemonade or ice-cream and use facilities and take in the eclectic mix of cottages set in this magnificent valley.
Once further refreshed, we climb yet another very steep hill towards Symonds Yat Rock but we will not visit the rock as your Walk Leader knows an arguably better viewing point not normally used by the general public where we have far reaching views (simply stunning) and closer to the peregrine falcons which breed in this area. We then continue on the last stage of this walk, back towards our start point
through more mixed woodland.
Please bring plenty of water if hot. Walking boots a must, due to some uneven ground and steep sections.
At the end of the walk there is the option to use the Forest Holidays shop café for a drink, ice-cream and facilities.
Bring packed lunch and £2:00 for the ferry.
Tea shop to finish.
Meet:8:45am at Aldi/Pizza Hut, Bradley Stoke. Alternatively meet at 9:45am at the free (small) car park, opposite Forest Holidays, Bracelands Drive, Christchurch, Coleford GL16 7NN. If approaching Coleford on the B4228 continue past the traffic light controlled crossroads in the town and after no more than 500 yards turn right on and up a road called THE GORSE until you meet the junction with the A4136. Continue across this road into GROVE ROAD. Travel 1 mile approx until you reach Bracelands Drive on your left handside. Continue a short distance to the car park on right handside.
Please allow plenty of time as it can be tricky to find and there is no phone signal in this area.
Leader: Vaughan (Phone number removed)