Journey 2
William Gilpin
Wye Valley Gorge
Why does Gilpin miss one of the Wye’s best sights?
The 18-mile long Wye Valley Gorge is Britain’s most spectacular. The view from Symonds Yat is incredible,
and – as Nick learns – shows how this part of the river is a geological marvel that’s remained
unchanged for 200 million years.
Climbing Symonds Yat was a must-do on the tours of Gilpin’s day, but he missed out. He was unlucky enough to visit in one of the wettest years on record, when heavy and prolonged downpours flooded the valleys and ruined crops. It’s a timely reminder, given the floods of 2007 in neighbouring areas.