‍Wye Valley Walk Diversion Stage 14 – Kerne Bridge to Symonds Yat

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Due to the closure of Lydbrook Bridge the published route of the Wye Valley Walk is closed where the Wye Valley Walk crosses the river at Lydbrook Rail Bridge (National Grid Ref: SO 587 176). Also known as Stowfield Bridge, this old railway bridge is closed for safety repairs.

Diversion Details - Walking downstream from Kerne Bridge

Remain on the same side of the river when you reach the closed Lydbrook (Stowfield) Bridge, soon after Welsh Bicknor church (NGR 587 177). Continue past the bridge on the West bank for 3.5 miles until reaching the road at Huntsham Bridge (NGR 568182).

Option1:

Att he road turn left. Do not cross Huntsham Bridge, but immediately turn right into afield and continue downstream alongside the Wye. At the fence exit the field over a stile in the far right hand corner, and turn left to walk for 300 yards along the B4229. Cross the stream and turn left immediately to follow a footpath through the industrial premises and then past greenhouses, keeping close to the river on your left. Stay on this path, which passes the lovely 13^thcentury church of St Dubricious, and goes through the caravan park/campsite before reaching Ye Olde Ferrie Inn. In summer the hand ferry may be running here so you can take it across to the east bank of the Wye, and then walk downstream beside the river into Symonds Yat East and the Saracens Head, the end of this stage. The ferry costs £2, advisable to call and check times as it doesn’t run all year round or when river levels are high - 01600 890232.

Alternatively, a second hand ferry operates all year round a little further downstream, so if Ye Olde Ferrie isn’t running continue on downstream until reaching steps where the Saracen’s Head hand ferry can take you across the river to Symonds Yat East and the Saracens Head Hotel on the opposite bank. It runs all year if river conditions are suitable, but it will not run if the river levels are high/ in flood.  Ccheck times/ book on 01600 890435). Cost £2 for adults. You can hail the ferry if it’s not on your side of the river. It’s a lovely way to end this stage of the walk!

If you are continuing past Symonds Yat to Monmouth you can remain on the west bank and stay on the path to Biblins Bridge (on Stage 15 Symonds Yat to Monmouth) where you rejoin the official route.

If you are overnighting in Symonds Yat East and the ferry isn’t running, cross the pedestrian Biblins Bridge and head upstream for 1 mile to reach accommodation and refreshments. Please note if the river is in high flood you may not be able to cross the bridge here.

Option 2

On reaching the road turn left to cross Huntsham Bridge. At the end of the bridge turn left into a field and follow the path upstream. After 1 mile cross a stile into a wooded section. There are steep drops on the left down to the river so not advisable to walk this way after heavy rain/ high river levels. This area is prone to overgrowth in summer months. After ½ mile pass a cottage on the right and keep to the path on the left. The path climbs up to a gravel forestry track. Turn left and then immediately right up a steep staircase. You are now back on the official Wye Valley Walk.  Follow the path uphill and at the junction of paths turn right s/p Symonds Yat. Keep climbing, passing a cottage on your left, eventually coming out onto a road. Cross over and follow the signs uphill to Symonds Yat Rock.

Please Note

It is not recommended to walk along the busy road from Huntsham Bridge to Symonds Yat East. This is the main route into this popular tourist destination, there is no roadside path and nowhere to move off the road if two vehicles pass each other. Not pleasant walking!

Walking upstream above SYMONDS YAT:

Walkers are advised to leave the official Wye Valley Walk at Biblins Bridge and continue on the West bank of the Wye to Symonds Yat West until reaching the Olde Ferrie Inn. Take the footpath which leaves the pub carpark here and continues north close to the river, passing through the campsite, past St Dubricius Church and finally emerging after the industrial premises on the B4229.Turn right to walk for 300 yards along the road, and then turn right into afield. Follow the path upstream beside the river. At the road (adjacent to Huntsham Bridge) turn left and straight away right, soon entering a field. Stay on the riverside path all the way to Lydbrook (Stowfield) Bridge (3.5 miles) to rejoin the Wye Valley Walk official route.

See map here‍

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