Goodrich, Coppet Hill Loop - Quick Info

• Distance: 10.25 km

• Total ascent: 343 m

• River section: 4 km

• Duration: 03:20

• Walking Grade 2-Moderate

• Terrain: Hill ridge, woodland paths, hillside tracks, some steep sections

• Start/Finish: Car parking at Goodrich

• Highlights: Dramatic view of Coldwell Rocks, Woodland, river path

• Best time to visit: Spring/May and autumn for the Bluebells and colour

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Parking Up

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This loop is straightforward enough for most walkers and a good way into the valley and its landscape. The car park and start of the walk for drivers is at Goodrich Castle, Castle Lane, Goodrich HR9 6HY. We've indicated the bus stop as the start on the OS Map for bus users. 

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There is another car park, which means a totally different start and a quicker route onto the hill. This is located across the bridge, Grid Ref: SO 57637 18897. There's an island with a little cut into the bank. People park here when it's available. 

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Public Transport

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​The only bus running nearby the route is the No34 Ross-On-Wye to Monmouth or vice-versa. They're fairly regular and give you a good window to explore.  

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Onto the Hill

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From Goodrich Castle walk into the village via the lane. The bus stop is on the right as you meet with the Junction.  Cross over and bear left for the school. At the school skirt the right side of the grounds  until you come to St Giles church, a 13th-century Anglican church (with 12th-century origins). Walk through to the opposite side to what's known as Church Pitch. At the Black and White house turn left and then right at the bottom of the road. Granton Coach House is in front of you and to the right is a narrow lane. The property here is interesting enough to gaze upon. Step into the field and head for the road, crossing it to the base of Coppet Hill. You're pretty much underway. 

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Coldwell Rocks

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Once having walked Coppet Hill ridge with its views of Goodrich, the Wye, Black Mountains, Symonds Yat to the south west and then on through the woodland it's a surprise to pop out nearby the river with Coldwell Rocks, rising above the field, their its limestone face sweeps from left to right shifting the feel of the walk.  What felt like a ridge and woodland walk now feels more like a gorge walk as you handrail the river upstream with it on your right hand side.  Before you ramble on stop, look up, and take in Yat Rock above where you'll spot tiny figures enjoying the view your immersed in. It must be said Peregrine Falcons are often nesting above in the rocks during the nesting season. You might hear or see them. 

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The River

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This is a 4K stretch, which is easy on the feet and the mind. Kick back and soak up the river and valley scene as you approach the currently closed YHA at Welsh Bicknor from the word Bica's meaning Over-over the river. On the opposite bank as you start from Coldwell Rocks is where the 1993 movie Shadowlands was filmed - the scene where  C.S Lewis (Anthony Hopkins) and Joy Gresham (Debra Winger) talked about love, life and loss in an old barn, which is now a holiday let. For the video of the spot see below. 

 

Moving on, just prior the YHA, the old Edison Swan factory appears on the opposite bank. Still there in all its glory it was used to work on government contracts during WWI and WWII,  producing special lamps and lead alloy tubes for P.L.U.T.O. (Petroleum Lines Under The Ocean). Since its beginning in 1883 it had numerous owners and roles. It closed in 1965.

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The river stretch running alongside the factory is renowned for specimens of barbel and large chub. It also hosts Atlantic salmon, grayling, trout, pike, and various silverfish, not that we are fishing fans. It's just interesting to note what's in there. 

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YHA, Church and Courtfiled ​​​

 

Before entering the grounds of the YHA you'll pass the Black Bridge on your right, which used to be a former 1870s railway viaduct spanning the River Wye in Herefordshire connecting the rail line from Cinderford to the Ross-Monmouth railway, decommissioned in 1959. It now serves as a pedestrian footbridge on the Wye Valley Walk. Beyond the old rectory (YHA) stands St Margarets church built in 1858. It stands as a testament to, not only the Vaughn family who have owned the Courtfiled estate since the 16th C, but to an earlier Celtic site. The Book of Llandaff mentions a church here in 575AD…..it was called a ‘Bishop’s House’. There's a strong possibility that this is the location, which would make it the bishop’s seat from the late 6th to early 10th century. Pretty amazing to think. 

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Eat/Drink & Trails

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If you fancy more than just the views and river walk, there are a few good spots to grab something to eat or drink around Goodrich. Check out the Cross Keys, which serves up some nice grub. There is of course Goodrich Castle that plays host to a great cafe to sit in or outside. 

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Alternatively pop into the Hen and Dot cafe a mile away at Flanesford Priory. Symonds Yat 2 miles west is also a fair bet with its range of bars. 

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Summary

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This 10.25 km loop from Goodrich Castle is a proper laid-back Wye Valley wander with just enough graft to keep things interesting. You head out through the village and climb up onto Coppet Hill, where the ridge serves up big, open views over the river and beyond. After a stretch through quiet woodland, things shift as you drop toward Coldwell Rocks — suddenly it feels more wild and tucked-away. From there, it’s an easy-going riverside cruise, perfect for switching off and just enjoying the flow. A few steep bits keep you honest, but nothing wild. Best done in spring, summer or autumn when the colours really show off.mellow.​