Hike from Joy’s Green in Lydbrook along the River Wye to Symonds Yat

This is about an enjoyable walk from the bus stop in Joy’s Green, via Lydbrook, to The Saracen’s Head Pub at Symonds Yat. It was a long hike, and I hoped to arrive in time for last orders for a prearranged lift back home to Gloucester. Overall, this is a stunning walk through the Wye Valley.

Bus From Gloucester To Joy’s Green

I chose Joys Green as the starting point because it is the closest bus stop I could find to the River Wye in Lydbrook with a direct service. The 22 bus route from Gloucester is the best option for getting to the locality. This route continues on to Coleford.

The Walk From Joy’s Green, Lydbrook to Symonds Yat

Walking down the hill from Joy’s Green, I spotted a nice-looking path, not in the direction I planned, but hey, this is an adventure, and I only had one deadline. The path runs from Joy’s Green Road to the A4136.

Lydbrook Towards The River Wye

The next phase of the walk was down the B4234 through Upper Lydbrook and then Lower Lydbrook. I stocked up on drinks at the local shop in the village but decided a pint at The Jovial Colliers Inn wasn’t for me today. This part of the walk was downhill until you reached the River Wye.

Visitors can stay in Lydbrook, including at the Jovial Colliers Inn and Bunkhouse. The Old Alley Bunkhouse sleeps up to twenty-one people. They divide this into four bedrooms, which sleep 8, 7, 3 and 3 people. Visitors can book rooms by phone, email, or post. The stay includes a full English cooked breakfast. More Info…

Hiking Downstream on The River Wye

Having reached the River Wye in Lydbrook, the next part of the walk is an easy downstream navigation, following the river until you reach the Saracen’s Head. This gives you the chance to explore and freestyle walk.

A few defunct railway bridges line this section of the river. These are now footpaths and make great vantage points for wildlife spotting or photography.

Leaving the Courtfield Arms, you head downstream along the River Wye. You then head through fields and beautiful countryside until you reach the end of this section at Court Wood. This is a great walk along the river through meadows and farmland, with canoes and kayaks passing by.

Depending on luck and the seasons, you can see many wildflowers and birds of prey, and in June I saw lots of dragonflies. There are also disused railway bridges to sit on, watch the river, and admire the stunning Wye Valley scenery.

Court Wood to Symonds Yat

This is the last stretch to reach Symonds Yat East; you follow the dirt road through Court Wood over the hill, joining the access road to Symonds Yat East. This can be tough going, as hills usually are at the end of a day’s hiking.

Symonds Yat East

The hike ends at the Saracen’s Head pub, which serves great food and a nice pint. You could also take a relaxing boat ride from Symonds Yat to enjoy the area from a different angle. This is a stunning place, with beauty all around. This section of the river also has rapids and various canoe hire companies.

Hiking Map

This walk should take over 2.5 hours if you don’t stop for breaks or a picnic. You could also consider extending the hike to include the beautiful stretch of river to Monmouth.