Lydney and Symonds Yat

Parkend Station

After a very large and tasty breakfast we set off for Lydney Docks. It had seemed like a good idea as we enjoyed a full English to have a waterside walk along the canal and harbour. Unfortunately the weather had other ideas as the wind brought in driving rain and low visibility.

 
Undaunted we set off on the short journey stopping only briefly at the Dean Forest Railway Parkend Station.
There is an 8.5 mile track running through the medieval forest where you can enjoy the delights of steam travel. Unfortunately it was out of season so the trains were not operational.






It was a pretty grim scene arriving at the docks I have to say.

It reminded me of the old 'Hancock' sketch when he went on holiday to Brighton in December.
His companion asks' Wheres the sea' ? Hancock replies 'it's out there somewhere , you'll see it once this fog lifts'.

Severn estuary

Apparently there's nice views over the River Severn towards Sharpness on the opposite side and the two Severn Bridges further down. Have to take their word for that today. Lydney Docks has a long and chequered history. The canal was opened in 1813 to ship iron and coal from the Forest of Dean in its mighty heyday. In the 1960’s timber was continually brought in from Avonmouth docks and it continued in regular commercial use until the 1980’s.

Brightening Skies ?

 We did our best given the conditions taking a short circular walk around the harbour. Ironically as we got back to the car the rain eased off and the skies started to lighten.

We made our way over to Symonds Yat , a place that is rapidly becoming a favourite place of ours. It might have something to do with the excellent Wye Valley Ale on offer at the Saracens Head ?

We parked down at River Wye level and strolled alongside the fast flowing water.

Boats moored at Lydney

River Wye

The River Wye is the fifth-longest river in the UK, stretching some 215 kilometres from its source on Plynlimon in mid Wales to the Severn estuary.

For much of its length the river forms part of the border between England and Wales.

As we went further along the trail a rope bridge spans the river , it is know as 'Biblins'. This suspension footbridge will take you from England (north) to Wales (south). Once crossed it is a flat four mile walk to Monmouth. I think that this will be our next mission when we come back.

'Biblins' Bridge'

There is a steep half mile footpath back at our starting point that takes you up to the high peak of Symonds Yat. I couldn't resist running up to the top , if nothing else to work up a thirst. The real reason is that the views are just so spectacular . I would visit every day if were possible.

What a view

 I came back down the path twice as quick as I went up I can tell you. The thought of The Wye Valley IPAin front of a roaring log fire was a great incentive !

Driving back it finally happened ! I spotted a majestic Wild Boar by the roadside . A fleeting view unfortunately, but one that will live long in the memory.