The view from Symonds Yat Rock is perhaps the most iconic image of the Wye Valley. Symonds Yat West is on the Herefordshire side of the river and Symonds Yat East is on the Gloucestershire side. The name is said to come from Robert Symonds, a 17th century sheriff of Herefordshire, and yat an old English word for a gate or pass.
In the past Symonds Yat was one of the key stages on the Wye Tour popular with the 18th and 19th century romantics. Today it is probably the most popular tourist resort in the whole area. It is a good place to hire a canoe or to walk, enjoy the scenery or take a river cruise. There is also a good selection pubs and hotels, a maze and a butterfly zoo.
The only connection between the two side of Symonds Yat banks is via two ancient hand pulled cable ferries or a five mile drive via Huntsham Bridge.
