Symonds Yat Viewpoint

The River Wye wraps itself into a dramatic horseshoe bend 520 feet below, and from up here at Symonds Yat you're looking down at one of England's most arresting river views. It's properly steep - a real pull to get up to the viewpoint from Ross-on-Wye, but the effort pays off the moment you reach the top and actually see what you've climbed for.

What you get is a sprawling vista across the Wye Valley. The river loops back on itself in that famous curve, the Forest of Dean spreads out to one side, and on a clear day the view reaches far enough to make you forget the effort of the walk. It's free to visit and you can spend twenty minutes taking photos or twice that if you're the type to just stand and stare at landscapes.

Serious walkers will love this - it's part of the Wye Valley Walk and sits on a decent hiking route. Families with older kids will manage the climb without complaint. Bring proper shoes though; the path can be boggy and the slopes either side aren't forgiving if you slip.

If you're camping at Doward Park or Bracelands - both within easy reach - this is the logical day out. The viewpoint makes sense as a punctuation mark in a Forest of Dean weekend rather than a standalone trip. Go early if you can, when the valley light is still soft and tour coaches haven't arrived.