Symonds Yat

Leaving Canop Ponds and we were off to see 'The Rock' . No not Dwayne Johnson of Hollywood fame , the one we had in mind is even bigger!

The rain was just starting to get heavier as we arrived at 'Symonds Yat' a viewpoint that provides fantastic views across the River Wye valley. The plan had been to to do a walk from Symonds Yat East along the side of the river getting the hand pulled ferry across to the other side and do a circular route. However the views across the English counties of Herefordshire and Gloucestershire with Monmouthshire and the Welsh border just a few miles away kept us occupied.  

 Famed for its natural river scenery and wooded expanses, Symonds Yat Rock is a limestone outcrop rising some 500 feet rising from the banks of the River Wye.
It is a fantastic place to see Wild Peregrines  They had bred well here until the early 1950's when the effects of pesticides drastically reduced the national population.
 In 1982 the re-occupation of the site started when three young were reared but the following year the nest was robbed.  After this event in 1984 the RSPB  in co-operation with the Forestry Commission made a protection scheme and for the first time Peregrine Falcons in the wild were shown to tourists.It was possible to see one of these wonderful birds  through a scope perched on a ledge and looking a bit wet and miserable. No flying through the valley at 200 mph today though.

Surprisingly a lot of the cliff holes were occupied by Canadian Geese of all things sitting on eggs! At some stage when they hatch they are going to have to make a massive leap of faith. But thinking about it making a nest so high up is undoubtedly a lot safer than on the ground. They are safe from predators who would eat the eggs such as Badgers , Foxes and Rats. 
It's great that during the breeding season the RSPB make telescopes available to visitors to watch the birds. 

Down below on the River Wye there are Paddle Boarders but at this distance they are just specks. It is just possible to make out a Barn Owl disappearing into a long abandoned shack.
It's not just the raptors that are here though. The feeding stations attract lots of smaller birds such as , Tits, Chaffinches, Sparrows and a particularly inquisitive Nuthatch. 

Nuthatch

 It was with reluctance that we had to move on from Symonds Yat , I could have stayed all day. Unfortunately the weather had worsened and the rain had become heavier so it made sense.

We adjourned to the car  park at Symonds Yat East conveniently next to the Saracens Head pub. 
It's a lovely little hamlet nestled below the rock. The following pictures hopefully capture the essence of how lovely it is. 

The Saracens Head had a good choice of real Ales. Managed to sample a couple over a very tasty baguette with local cheese and pickles. Firstly the HPA (Herefordshire Pale Ale ) 4%. The second pint was the Butty Bach another Golden Ale but a little stronger at 4.5%.

Thoroughly enjoyed our first trip to this wonderful part of the country. Sadly no Wild Boars this time but I suppose it gives the perfect excuse to return as if one were needed.