Biblins and the Wye

Start: The Royal Lodge, Symonds Yat East, South Herefordshire HR9 6JL

(S/E) From the front door, facing the river, turn left and walk to the end of the car park. Join the wide track beyond the barrier and follow it parallel to the river. Follow either of the tracks, or the bankside path, for a little over a mile, until you reach the Biblins footbridge (A).

(1) Cross over the bridge and turn right.

(2) Continue through The Biblin's Camping fields and pass the canoe launching area. Ignore a path to the left as you approach Symonds Yat West and pass the site of New Weir Forge. The track eventually climbs a little and emerges between houses.

(3) On reaching the road, turn right and follow the narrow lane round to the left. Just beyond a white-painted cottage on your left, turn right down the steps to the hand ferry. Hail the hand ferry (B) and cross the river back to Symonds Yat East.

(4) From the Ferry Port turn right and return to The Royal Lodge. (S/E)

Start: The Royal Lodge, Symonds Yat East, South Herefordshire HR9 6JL
Tel: 01600 890238
Email: info@rhhotels.co.uk

Notes: Routes uses the hand ferry (fee payable) to cross the Wye on the return (you are advised to check that it is running before setting off). The Biblins footbridge can be mildly unnerving to cross.
Riverside paths may be muddy in places after rain.

Find more information on Walks From the Door.

(A) The Footbridge at Biblins was built in the 1950s by the Forestry Commission, and refurbished in the 1990s. A sign advises that no more than six people should cross at once.

(B) The hand Ferry at Symonds Yat, near The Royal Lodge, is operated on request by staff at the Saracens Head. In 1800 there were 25 similar hand ferries between Ross and Chepstow.