Camping! I haven't been camping in years . . . but it seemed like a good idea when it was suggested that Mr B and I join my brother and his missus on a short trip to the Wye Valley. I have long wanted to visit Symonds Yat Rock, up for adventure, Mr B agreed the dates and bags were duly packed.
Dinner was booked on our first evening at the Saracens Head - what we hadn't realised though, was that it requires a hand pulled ferry to get us to our table!
Morning, walking down through the woods to the Wye.
There is a small suspension footbridge over the Wye near Symonds Yat East, narrow and very bouncy - first built by the forestry commission in 1957.
Naturally, you feel the urge to walk with a bit of a bounce in your step, but it does feel a little flimsy and with a weathered sign requesting no more than 6 people cross at one time we behaved ourselves!
A steep footpath leads from the village (where the Saracens Head is) up to Symonds Yat Rock.
Our campsite is on top of the hill in the middle of this scene.
The views are well worth the walk up . . .
Enjoying a little rest before we trot back down the hillside.
It is possible to trace human habitation in the area back to about 12,000 years ago. King Arthurs cave on the Great Doward (very close to the campsite) is a site of archaeological interest, both hyena and Sabre-toothed tiger bones have been uncovered here.
The footpaths are quirky . . . from steep passageways between buildings,
to impressive cliff faces.
A patient Rufus waits in't pub.
Returning over the Wye after supper for a moonlit stroll back up to our campsite . . . magic.
A post breakfast relax prior to packing up, and both puppy dogs wait patiently to be taken for a walk before getting back in the car for the long journey home.
