Symonds Yat Rock

The Rock sits about 120 metres 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. Peregrines have nested on the cliffs opposite since 1982, and the RSPB has run a public watchpoint on the Rock in most breeding seasons since, with telescopes set 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 actually see

• The Wye horseshoe - the river looping back on itself 120 metres below.
• The peregrine watchpoint - RSPB telescopes on a cliff eyrie used since 1982.
• 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.

Honest expectations

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.