The Peregrine Path
Sustrans is the walking and cycling charity with the responsibility for the National Cycle Network, and is a close partner to Cycling UK in our ongoing work to improve cycling for everyone. In this family friendly route, Sustrans shares an easy way to cross the border between England and Wales.
The Forest of Dean is a fairytale setting for a gentle ride into Wales through the steeply wooded Wye Valley, bookended by the famous viewpoints of Symonds Yat Rock and the Kymin.
The ride that straddles the Wales/England border follows the River Wye from the historic market town of Monmouth in south east Wales to Goodrich in Herefordshire.
From Monmouth this route will take you past the Kymin, a well-known picnic haunt set within nine acres of glorious parkland and offering panoramic views across Wales.
Venture on to Wye Gorge with the salmon-rich River Wye running through its heart and enter popular Symonds Yat East on the Gloucestershire side of the river. Here there is a canoe hire centre and inviting waterholes - including the Saracens Head pub.
The area is also the gateway for a steady climb to Symonds Yat Rock where nesting Peregrine Falcons can be spotted. Slightly off the beaten track at the Doward you can visit King Arthur's Cave, said to be once the home of Palaeolithic man. Flint tools and the remains of a woolly mammoth have been found nearby but now the cave is home only to numerous insects and animals, including bats.
Travel on a minor road and on the top of a wooded hill you can marvel at imposing Goodrich Castle. Dating from the 11th century, the castle has a visitor centre plotting its history right up to its downfall during the English Civil War in 1646. Cannons dating back to the Civil War were discovered here in the 1920s, and are now on display.
Tips
Picnic for a quick lunch stop at the Kymin.
If possible: places along the route to stop, e.g. nice view, café or pub: