We had planned a big walk today and we wanted a river walk along the wye and this one was epic as it was so varied and interesting.
We started our walk at White Rocks Nature Reserve. This is an ancient woodland of Beech, Ash and Oak trees. Also there are disused quarries and mines throughout the woods so on this part of the walk we did keep Digby on a lead.
The walk takes you down through the wooded valley until you reach the River Wye.We had bought a picnic but we spotted a rather lovely pub the other side of the River in Symonds Yat. To get to this pub you had to board a hand-pulled ferry. Never one to miss out on a novel opportunity, we boarded with Digby, so we could reach the other side.
To make the walk longer you could walk up to Symonds Rock to get some outstanding views of the Wye Valley, we didn't today as my mum is recovering from a knee injury as we didn't want to do too many hill climbs. The pub we visited was called Saracens Head Inn, and we ordered some chips to go with our rolls and some lovely locally brewed beer. It is also a passport point for the Wye Valley Walk, a UK long distance trail.
After our long lunch admiring the views overlooking the River Wye, we then took the ferry back to the other side and continued to walk right next to the river now downstream to Ross-on-Wye. At points you can get to paddle in the River. I kept Digby on the lead as the river is quite fast flowing, but he did get a chance to have a paddle.
The walk continues in the valley next to the river and you enter Bilbins Youth Campsite. It is here you will find an unusual suspension rope bridge. You can cross over to get some good river views and feel like Indiana Jones in the process.
Shortly after this you take a turn right back into the wooded valley and ascend to a place called King Arthur's Cave. Before reaching the cave you will see Lord's Wood Quarry, which is now disused.
King Arthur's Cave now houses some rare bats and moths but there is evidence that it was once occupied by pre-historic man. A little further on you enter the reserve and the carpark where you started. All in all there is so much variety in this walk which is why this has entered my top 10 walks of all time.
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