Symonds Yat to Ross-on-Wye

The first activity on today's itinerary is a scenic walking route through Christchurch in the Forest of Dean to Symonds Yat Rock. There's a car park, cafe and shop at the Forest Holidays site, so you can leave your car here for a couple of hours while you adventure off into the forest. This 1.9 mile path (each way) is fairly straight and flat (other than one small ascent) and the majority of the walk is under the forest canopy offering respite from the warm sun. On the way back, you can return the same way for a simple, easy to follow forested walk.
Follow the link here for the walking trail map.

You've now reached Symonds Yat – one of the most beautiful and iconic locations in the Dean Wye. Famed for its natural river scenery and wooded expanses, Symonds Yat is a popular tourist destination found in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here, you'll find Yat Rock, a viewpoint offering incredible views over the River Wye and the surrounding villages of Symonds Yat East and Symonds Yat West. Tuck into an early picnic lunch here while taking in the stunning views around you.

After lunch, make your way back to the car park, following the same walking route as on the way there (using the trail map here). Take your time and enjoy the journey.

Time to get the creative juices flowing with some pottery making! Head to local studio, Yat Pottery, which is based in the heart of the Wye Valley gorge, situated just a short drive away from the Forest of Dean. Here, there are a wide range of workshops, one-off taster sessions and longer courses available for both adults and younger artists. Whether you're a beginner looking to try your hand at throwing a pot on the wheel or an avid and experienced maker, there's something for you! These sessions are very popular so booking is essential. Visit Yat Pottery's official website or email [email protected] to book a session in advance.
Opening times: Monday to Saturday 11am - 4pm

The next stop on today's road trip is Ross-on-Wye, a charming and characterful market town nestled between England and Wales. Ross-on-Wye is well known for its independent and historic high street, boasting an abundance of eclectic shops selling antique, vintage and retro items. In fact, there are so many brilliant vintage shops in Ross-on-Wye that there's even a Vintage Shopping Trail around the town, providing visitors looking for antiques, collectibles, bric-a-brac, vintage clothes, jewellery and furniture with a fascinating tour of the best local shops. You'll begin the trail with a visit to Crows Feet, a small independent gift shop situated in a former 1930s bus inspectors rest room. Follow the map around the town and don't forget to check individual store opening hours.
Crows Feet opening times: Monday to Saturday 10am - 4pm

You've enjoyed an eventful afternoon of shopping and pottering around Ross-on-Wye's independent high street. To unwind, take a short walk to the Thomas Blake Memorial Garden. This pretty terraced garden makes a lovely area to sit and watch and the world go by amidst some beautifully maintained flower beds.

As the day draws to a close, it's nearly time to sit down and enjoy a relaxing dinner. We couldn't let today pass by, however, without a short leisurely stroll along the river. Set in the gorgeous Herefordshire countryside and hugged by the River Wye, there are lots of great opportunities here to walk, canoe and cycle. Just a stone's throw away from the Thomas Blake Memorial Garden, you'll find one of Ross-on-Wye's picturesque river walks. Enjoy the glorious surrounding views as you work up a hearty appetite for tonight's evening meal.

You'll dine tonight at the modern and rustic No3 Restaurant located in the centre of Ross-on-Wye. Look forward to a tasty menu offering light lunches, dinner, after work cocktails and bar bites. To make a dinner reservation visit the website here. Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday 12pm - 2:10pm & 6pm - 9pm.

What better way to end the day than with after-dinner cocktails (or if you're the designated driver, mocktails)? Head over to Leonards at 39 for a round of delicious, freshly shaken drinks made by the highly trained bar team. You'll find a lively and vibrant atmosphere here, complete with a varied and extensive wine list, draft beers/ciders and a large selection of spirits.
Opening times: Monday 12pm - 2:30pm & 5pm - 11pm Wednesday 12pm - 2:30pm & 5pm - 11pm Thursday 12pm - 2:30pm & 5pm - 11pm Friday 12pm - 11:15pm Saturday 12pm - 11:15pm Sunday 12pm - 8:15pm

Tonight you’ll stay at the charming Gewstone Court. This country house hotel is set in an iconic, Grade II listed Georgian manor house in the Hertfordshire countryside, overlooking the spectacular Brecon Beacons. Enjoy a night of luxury and bliss here, before setting off on tomorrow’s adventure.