コールフォードの天然記念物・トップ20

ここが大好きです

Symonds Yat is a wonderful place to come, but even better to catch it in the autumn when the trees are in full colour, with the sun on them to make them really shine.

As I ride slowly, I soak in all the beauty of the forest. It’s easy to overlook the sculptures in this area, so I make sure to take a gentle ride and glance around to appreciate the wonders of this beautiful trail system.

Please be aware that this is a shared trail; lots of walkers, families, and dogs will be found around this very popular area.

Along this section, you will see an old cathedral window erected in 1986 on the sculpture trail at the Forest of Dean.

forest Dean explore trail glass window

One of the original items ever changing sculpture trail, worth a visit either by bike or on foot.

Jump off the bike and head on foot down the footpath east of the road to reach the Symonds Yat Rock. Symonds Yat Rock harbours the remnants of an Iron Age hillfort, erected roughly 2,500 years in the past. Presently, this locale stands as a Scheduled Ancient Monument, where traces of the fortifications endure as a series of embankments and trenches. In more contemporary times, Yat Rock and the Wye Valley have gained renown as the birthplace of British tourism. Beginning in the 18th century, they achieved popularity thanks to the efforts of Reverend William Gilpin, a trailblazer of the 'Picturesque' movement. His literary works left an indelible mark on the appeal of English landscape painting and served as inspiration for Romantic poets. Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint enjoys a well-earned reputation as one of the nation's prime spots for observing peregrine falcons. Yet, with a touch of patience, a multitude of bird species can be sighted here. Goshawks offer close-up viewing, sparrowhawks are frequent denizens nesting among the valley's trees, while soaring buzzards often grace the skies. Spring and autumn migrations frequently draw ospreys to this locale, with tawny owls occasionally spotted. Meanwhile, nearby nesting sites typically host barn owls, ravens, and kestrels.