Symonds Yat Rockfall update

What happened

On 8 August 2023 a major rockfall took place at Symonds Yat Rock.  An estimated 20 tonnes of rock fell from the cliff face, and had it not been for the rock capture fence, the damage below could have been significant. The rock capture fence was in place for incidents like this, but the size of the fall was large enough to damage it beyond full repair. 

We immediately sought professional ground engineering and geotechnical advice from expert engineers. As a result of this advice, we asked all climbers to avoid using the rockface and put in place a Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) dedicated land closure to prevent anyone access the area. We also formally closed the public right of way.

This action has significantly reduced the assessed risk as much as possible, as advised by our specialist consultants.

What has happened since

Temporary patch repairs to the rock capture fence were carried out in case of further rockfalls, this offers some protection whilst we work on a more a permanent solution.

Since August 2023, there have been further small rockfalls and so, on the advice of our engineering experts, the rockface remains closed to climbers. This was for the safety of climbers, people walking or cycling below and the protection of property. 

Forestry England has now received funding to design and build a permanent solution.

What is the current situation

The initial CRoW dedicated land closure expired on 31 March 2025. A temporary CRoW closure is in place whilst we go through the consultation process to put a longer closure in place, until 30 April 2026. The closure is being applied for the duration of the planned rockfall mitigation works.

Geotechnical consultants are currently undertaking an up-to-date risk assessment of the rock face.

We have met with the British Mountaineering Council to communicate the programme of works. Once the rockfall mitigation works have been completed, the rockface will be re-opened for climbing from April 2026.

People can still walk between the Symonds Yat Rock viewpoint and the river (see map below). 

Timeline 

Preparation work and design - April 2025 to September 2025

Construction work - September 2025 to April 2026