Visitors to Symonds Yat m ay be aware the main viewpoint is temporarily closed. This is a temporary closure whilst a new walkway is built to make it easier for visitors to get to the rock.

Meanwhile visitors are directed to an alternative viewpoint that still captures the famous view but from a different perspective, just over the road .

Following the success of the 'Overlooking the Wye' scheme in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and the grant of £1.9M from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the scheme will be working with the Forestry Commission, Gloucestershire Archaeology Service and English Heritage to undertake conservation works on Symonds Yat

The Forestry Commission are also undertaking works to the Log Cabin Conservation Works

The works will improve the physical access to the Rock with the construction of a new raised walkway from the picnic area bridge to the viewpoint.

This means that visitors of all abilities will be able to get to see the famous view from Symonds Yat Rock. It will also mean that the footpath will be less vulnerable to erosion from walkers and the weather. Access to other viewpoints will also be improved.

However it is not just the view that is important at Symonds Yat, most people are unaware that when they park their car and walk up to the Log Cabin and the viewpoint that they are walking through an Iron Age promontory fort. One of a whole group either side of the Wye Valley.

In fact the whole of this promontory was once a fortified strong hold. We know this because there are the remains of large banks and ditches between the car park and the log cabin which would have been the ramparts. As part of the 'Overlooking the Wye' scheme these are being cleared of vegetation and small trees so that visitors will be able to see them more easily.

The 'Overlooking the Wye' Scheme will also be helping to fund new interpretation and signposts that will explain the significance of the site and the surrounding environment