Symonds Yat Rock

The Rock sits high above the river at a point where the Wye loops almost back on itself, so the view takes in the bend, the wooded valley sides and Coppet Hill beyond. A pair of peregrines nests each year within sight of the Rock, and the RSPB sets up telescopes on the eyrie and volunteers to point it out, which makes it one of the easiest places in Britain to see a peregrine without effort. Below, the river is crossed by two hand-pulled rope ferries between riverside pubs, worked by the ferryman hauling on an overhead cable, a survival of a once-common crossing method. The Iron Age hillfort of Symonds Yat occupies the ridge behind the viewpoint.

What you'll find

• The Wye horseshoe - the river looping back on itself far below.
• The peregrine watchpoint - RSPB telescopes on a cliff eyrie used every year.
• The hand ferries - rope-hauled crossings between riverside pubs.
• The hillfort ridge - Iron Age earthworks along the top.

When to go

April to September for the peregrines, with chicks visible from around June; the watchpoint is staffed seasonally and daily hours vary. Autumn colour in the valley is excellent and much quieter.

Before you go

The car park fills early on summer weekends and the walk from overflow parking is uphill. The viewpoint platform is small and gets crowded. Peregrine sightings are not guaranteed and depend on the birds and the weather.

Nearby

The Forest of Dean lies south; Ross-on-Wye and Goodrich Castle north.