Hereford Rideout (Forest of Dean & Wye Valley loop)

Route

A brilliant B-road loop out of Hereford that skirts the edge of the Forest of Dean, drops into the Wye Valley and runs over Symonds Yat before sweeping back to Hereford. Scenic, flowing, and a great “after work / half day” ride if you hit it outside the busy times.

Quick Stats

  • Distance: 58 miles

  • Allow: 1 hr 40 mins (plus stops)

  • Start/Finish (fuel): BP, The Straight Mile, Holme Lacy Road, Hereford HR2 6BQ

Highlights

  • Wye Valley views around Ross-on-Wye / Symonds Yat

  • Symonds Yat section (proper scenic stop if you’ve got time)

  • Flowing B-roads through Herefordshire countryside

  • Hay-on-Wye area (great café / book-town stop if you detour slightly)

  • Mix of open sweepers + tighter lanes to keep it interesting

Rider notes

  • Best ridden early or mid-week — some stretches can get busy (especially near Symonds Yat and the popular villages).

  • Expect narrower lanes in parts (mud/gravel after rain, farm traffic).

  • Watch for tight bends / changing surfaces on the minor-road sections.

  • Plenty of fuel at the start; after that it’s mostly small towns/villages — plan stops.

  • If it’s been wet or cold, shaded sections can stay damp longer under the trees.