Break for the Border: Wye Gorge, King Arthur's Cave & Symonds Yat

The Wye Valley is well-known for its beautiful river landscapes, dramatic limestone gorges, native woodlands, impressive geology, historic hill forts, castles and abbeys. On this trip, we'll discover the River Wye – Britain's fifth longest river and certainly one of the most scenic. Much of the lower length of the river defines the border between England and Wales. We'll be hiking in Wales, with England on the other shore!

We'll do two short hikes, taking in the highlights of the area. On our first hike, we'll visit the famous viewpoint at Symonds Yat Rock. This limestone outcrop is perched 120 metres above the River Wye and provides spectacular views of the river snaking its way through the gorge. The pleasant woodland trail will take us through nature reserves to the limestone rock towers of the Seven Sisters and the dramatic King Arthur’s Cave, which provided a refuge for mammoths, hyenas and rhinoceros in prehistoric times. We'll cross the Indiana Jones style suspension bridge and also pass the distinctive red and white house, which famously featured in the Netflix series “Sex Education” (Otis's and Jean's home).

After resting and having lunch and hot drinks, we'll take a short drive to the start of the second walk. This hike features the picturesque viewpoint known as the Eagle's Nest. The Eagle's Nest boasts unrivalled views down the Wye Valley to the rocks of Wintour's Leap, Chepstow, the Severn bridges and the estuary. The superb woodland path will lead us along the edge of an escarpment to the extraordinary Giant’s Cave and the Grotto, before finally descending to Chepstow and its beautifully preserved, 11th-century Chepstow Castle.

This trip is suitable for reasonably fit BEGINNERS – a great way to experience hiking before joining our more difficult hikes! 🤩
ITINERARY
07:45 Meet outside Hotel Novotel London West, 1 Shortlands, W6 8DR (a five-minute walk from Hammersmith Station)
08:00 Sharp departure
11:00-13:30 Symonds Yat Rock, King Arthur's Cave and the Seven Sisters walk (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 7km, ascent: 280m)
13:30-14:15 Lunch near Symonds Yat Rock Café
15:00-17:30 Eagle's Nest, Wyndcliff, Lover's Leap and the Giant's Cave walk (difficulty: Moderate, distance: 6km, ascent: 150m)
17:45 Departure
20:30 London, Hammersmith
TRANSPORT
As on most of our trips, we'll travel in a comfortable 16-seater minibus.
SAFETY
The hike is led by an experienced, Outdoor First Aid qualified hike leader.

BOOKING
You’re welcome to book and pay via Eventbrite. However, to get the best price and avoid the Eventbrite commission (around £7), we recommend booking directly through our Meetup page or emailing us at [email protected]

THE PRICE OF £78 INCLUDES

• Transport throughout the trip
• Experienced, professional PSV minibus driver
• Guiding on all hiking routes by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader
• Professional event organisation
• Group first aid kit with qualified first aiders
• Admin fee
• 20% VAT
  

THE PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE

• Personal insurance (for cancellation, accident, health, emergency evacuation and loss, theft of or damage to baggage and personal effects, and personal trekking insurance)

HOW TO CONTACT US
For all enquiries, please email us at [email protected] We'll usually get back to you within 4 hours.
WHAT TO BRING

• Suitable hiking shoes with ankle support
• Waterproof and windproof jacket and trousers (if there is a chance of rain)
• Water (min 1L)
• Packed lunch
• Walking poles (optional)
  

REVIEWS ⭐
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REFUND POLICY
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