Symonds Yat

Symonds Yat is a village beside both sides of the River Wye in Herefordshire, within a few miles of Monmouthshire and the Welsh border.

The spot is popular with visitors because of the tranquil river scenery, the ferries here, several pubs, boat clubs and other attractions, as well as many local walks.

There are two settlements either side of the river known as Symonds Yat (West) and Symonds Yat (East). They are linked by a footbridge and passenger ferries. Nearby is Symonds Yat Rock - a famed viewpoint that provides a spectacular vista over the English-Welsh border. This limestone outcrop towers 500 feet above the River Wye and from here you can see the River Wye snaking its way through the gorge and into a deep forest glade within the Royal Forest of Dean.

Symonds Yat (East) is on the eastern side of the river. It has three hotels, WyeDean Canoe and Activity Centre and the Saracens Head Inn (with accommodation). A steep footpath leads from the village up to Symonds Yat Rock. Another footpath and a cycleway, constructed on a former railway line, runs on the eastern bank to Monmouth.

Symonds Yat (West) is on the western side of the river and has a large caravan and camping site. Visitor attractions include the "Amazing Hedge Puzzle" maze built in 1977 to commemorate the Silver Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, and the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo.

Two hand ("pull") cable ferries enable foot passengers to cross the river, powered by ferrymen who pull the ferry across the river using an overhead cable. One ferry is operated by the Saracens Head Inn and the other by the Ye Old Ferrie Inn.

There is also a suspension bridge was built over the river by the Forestry Commission using local oak timbers in 1957.

The long distance footpath The Wye Valley Walk also runs through here.