Plan Your Visit
Useful information on our facilities, what we provide, the local area and Frequently Asked Questions.
Introduction
Biblins Youth Campsite sits in a stunning part of the Wye Valley National Landscape. Surrounded by ancient woodland and open meadows, with the River Wye running right alongside, it offers a peaceful natural setting that’s perfect for outdoor adventures.
The local area is rich in wildlife and forms part of a protected conservation zone. Forest footpaths lead through diverse habitats, and nearby landmarks such as King Arthur’s Cave and Merlin’s Cave add a sense of history and exploration to any visit.
This landscape lends itself perfectly to outdoor activities. Groups can enjoy bushcraft, orienteering, walking, and canoeing using the site’s designated river-access point. Whether developing new skills or simply exploring the woods, there’s plenty of opportunity for hands-on learning and discovery.
With little mobile phone signal and no Wi-Fi, Biblins creates a rare chance for visitors to switch off from digital life. Evenings often end around the campfire under starry skies, making space for connection, reflection, and time together in nature.
We are walking distance along the river to Symonds Yat and to Monmouth, and the Peregrine Trail cycle path runs alongside the campsite (on the other side of the river).
What We Provide
We provide;
- Large flat pitches with space to spread out and play games, and each pitch has a firepit
- Direct access to the river at our canoe launch point (access only for people staying) and to the ancient forest around us
- A selection of activities, all available on our site including canoeing and crag climbing!
- Views!
What we don’t provide:
- Internet access or phone signal – essentially it’s like being back in the pre-mobile phone era of the 1980’s. Lovely.
- Toilet paper or washing up liquid/cloths – please bring your own
- Note – dogs are not allowed on our site.
The Local Area
🌿 Explore the Wye Valley from Biblins
Biblins Youth Campsite is perfectly positioned to explore some of the most beautiful scenery in the Wye Valley. Whether you’re looking for gentle riverside strolls, panoramic viewpoints, cycling adventures or cosy pubs, there is something for everyone right on our doorstep.
🚶♂️ Wonderful Walks
There are countless walks in the local area, suitable for a range of ages and abilities:
Symonds Yat Rock – A must-visit viewpoint offering breathtaking views across the Wye Gorge. A fantastic spot to watch peregrine falcons soaring overhead.
King Arthur’s Cave – A fascinating limestone cave steeped in legend and prehistoric history.
A flat circular walk using the historic hand-pulled ferry at Symonds Yat – perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroll.
A scenic riverside walk to Monmouth, following the River Wye through peaceful woodland and open views.
🚴 Cycling & Mountain Biking
The area is a haven for cyclists and mountain bikers.
Pedalabikeaway in the Forest of Dean offers some of the best family-friendly and technical mountain bike trails in the country.
The Peregrine Path is a traffic-free cycle path running from Monmouth to Symonds Yat, passing just across the river from Biblins via Biblins Bridge — ideal for safe and scenic cycling adventures.
🚣 Life on the River Wye
Some of the most beautiful stretches of the River Wye flow right past Biblins. The gently winding river, framed by limestone cliffs and ancient woodland, makes this a truly special place to spend time on the water.
Canoeing and paddleboarding are fantastic ways to experience the river — and we’re proud to have our own canoe launch exclusively for our campers.
🦌 Wildlife & Nature
The ancient woodlands and riverbanks surrounding Biblins are rich in wildlife.
Keep your eyes peeled for:
Deer moving quietly through the trees
Birds of prey circling high above
Kingfishers darting along the water’s edge
Cormorants drying their wings on riverside branches
Seasonal river life including trout and salmon
This unique combination of river, gorge and woodland makes the area an inspiring outdoor classroom as well as a beautiful place to explore.
🍴 Local Food & Refreshments
After a day of adventure, there are some wonderful local places to refuel:
Two lovely riverside pubs in Symonds Yat – Ye Olde Ferrie Inn and Saracens Head Inn, each on opposite sides of the river.
A great selection of pubs and restaurants in Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye.
A small but very well-stocked deli and café in Whitchurch — perfect for coffee and local treats.
And for quick, easy options, there’s a Greggs at the nearby service station.
From ancient caves and panoramic viewpoints to riverside adventures and woodland wildlife, Biblins offers an unforgettable outdoor experience in one of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes.
FAQ's
Some of our frequently asked questions. If you still have any queries, please contact us here.
Who can stay on site?
Biblins provides a unique environment for children and young people, as such only schools and recognised children and youth groups can use the site during the Herefordshire Summer Term dates. Recognised children and young groups include uniformed youth groups, sports groups and any official or voluntary group that provides formal or informal learning to those under the age of 25 years.
Other community groups are welcome to book the site at all other times.
We are open for families and private hire during the Herefordshire School holidays including Easter, Summer half term and Summer holidays (until the end of October)
Biblins provides a unique environment for children and young people, as such only schools and recognised children and youth groups can use the site during the Herefordshire Summer Term dates. Recognised children and young groups include uniformed youth groups, sports groups and any official or voluntary group that provides formal or informal learning to those under the age of 25 years.
Other community groups are welcome to book the site at all other times.
We are open for families and private hire during the Herefordshire School holidays including Easter, Summer half term and Summer holidays (until the end of October)
Can I bring my dog?
Please note that dogs are not allowed on this site.
Only registered assistance dogs will be allowed to camp or stay in any of the buildings at Biblins.
Along the public footpath you will find dog walkers – all dogs should be kept on a lead and owners should pick up after their dogs. Please report any irresponsible dog owners to the on-site warden.
Can we have a campfire?
The camp-fire is perhaps one of the most memorable parts of any camp and one of things that often public campsites don’t offer – so many children have never had the experience of toasting marshmallows around a communal campfire.
You can bring your own firewood, however we sell it is available on-site for £10 a wheelbarrow full! Please ensure that you add this to your booking.
You’ll need to bring a saw, kindling and firelighters. Please ensure your fire stays within the existing pit boundary.
Please do not forage for wood in the surrounding forest and DO NOT attempt to light any fires within the woods.
This ancient forest is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and needs to be protected.
Ensure that BBQs are kept of the ground. Bricks are available if needed.
Can we bring caravans, campervans or motorhomes?
Biblins is primarily a tent camping site.
Road access to the site is not suitable for caravans or motor homes. We do not have hard standing pitches, chemical toilet disposal or electric hook up.
Campervans may stay on site.
For groups thinking of bringing a caravan or camper because you don’t have camping equipment, please have a look at The Burrow & Camp Koodoo which are equipped for group stays.
Do we have access to the river?
The only permissible access to the River Wye, from Biblins Camp Site, is via the Canoe Launch facility. This is for access to the river in boats only and is NOT to be used for swimming. At all other locations the bank and shore of the River are in private ownership and access is NOT permitted. This includes the beach area, downstream of the bridge.
What are the quiet times, and what are the rules about making noise?
Biblins Campsite is situated in a valley, so noise travels! Campers are asked to keep to our quiet time from 10pm – 7pm. No amplified music is permitted at any time.
What activities do you offer onsite?
Here at Biblins we are fortunate to have our own natural climbing crag and canoe launch point for the Wye.
We offer the following activities on site;
Climbing, canoeing, archery, stone age art, bushcraft, team challenges, orienteering and guided walks. For more information, click here.
Where are the nearest medical facilities?
There is an emergency phone outside the Warden’s cabin
You are at:
Biblins Campsite, The Doward, Whitchurch, Ross-on-Wye, HR9 6DX
NGR SO 549 145
Please see the list below for details of the nearest minor injuries, A&E, pharmacy & emergency Dentists:-
Minor Injuries -Hereford County Hospital HR1 2BN. 01600 772828
A&E – Hereford County Hospital HR1 2BN. 01600 772828
Pharmacy – Boots, Monmouth NP25 3EN. Tel: 01600 713119
Dentist – Trefynwy Dental Practice, Monmouth NP25 3DL. 01600 772060
How do I get to Biblins?
Biblins Youth Campsite, The Doward HR96DX
What3words: flock.join.irony OS grid reference: SO 549 145
Directions – Cars and Minibuses
From the South (Monmouth) – Leave the A40, at the Crockers Ash/Doward exit, turn left at the t-junction (opposite Wyastone Busines Park) and continue along this road for approximately 1 mile to Crockers Ash, turn right onto a single track road (signposted Doward/Biblins) and follow for approximately 2 miles until you turn right by Doward Park Campsite. Follow the forestry road for approximately 1 mile following the signs to Biblins Campsite. Once arrived, please book into reception at the Warden’s Hut.
From the north (Ross-on-Wye), leave the A40 at the exit signposted Whitchurch/Symonds Yat (West), turn right at the roundabout (B4164),then left signposted Crockers Ash/Doward. Follow this road for approximately 1 1/2 miles, ignoring your SAT NAV if it tells you to go onto Sandyway Lane. At Crockers Ash, turn left signposted Doward/ Biblins and follow for approximately 2 miles until you turn right by Doward Park Campsite. Follow the forestry road for approximately 1 mile following the signs to Biblins Campsite. Once arrived, please book into reception at the Warden’s Hut.
Note:- Access is via a single vehicle width track with passing places, which is unsuitable for coaches or vehicles over 6ft wide. Some Sat Nav systems have directed previous campers along Sandyway Lane, which is NOT suitable for vehicles.
Directions – Coaches
Coach access to the site is at NGR SO 572126, on the Gloucestershire side of the river, via approx. 3 miles of forestry track, graded and rated for 40 ton timber lorries.
Coaches regularly use this route and have not had problems in the past. Coaches park and turn next to the footbridge, whilst passengers access the site by crossing the bridge – carrying their kit with them.
The access track is controlled by a locked barrier – secured with a combination padlock – code given upon booking. Please inform us at time of booking if you plan to arrive by coach, as for brief periods of the year this track may be closed.
Directions
- Leave the A4136 Monmouth – Gloucester road, at Berry Hill Turnpike, just outside Coleford. The road is sign-posted to Christchurch, Symonds Yat, English Bicknor.
- Follow this road for about 800m.
- Pass the “No Through Road” sign to Marian’s Walk on the left.
- Take the next turning left, into the forest, opposite Kells Road.
- If you reach the signposted turning to Christchurch/Bracelands campsite, you have gone too far.
- Follow the main track around to the left, ignoring all side turnings, to arrive at the locked barrier. Once passed through, please lock again behind you.
- Proceed down forestry track, take the first turning to the right. Follow the main track straight down to the river. Turn left and proceed to the bridge, where there is a turning / parking area.
Safety on Site
Group leaders are reminded that they are responsible for the safety and well-being of the children and young people in their group at all times.
We expect all groups to have appropriate safeguarding policies and risk assessments in place for the activities undertaken during their stay at Biblins and to provide their own first aid cover.
There are some aspects of the site which users should be aware of before making their booking.
Public Access
There are a number of rights over way through the site, including access to the bridge in the centre of the campsite, which are well used by walkers.
The River Wye
Many of our camping pitches back directly onto the river, while the riverbank is clearly marked, it is not fenced. Groups with young children may prefer to use the burrow with its enclosed play field.
The river is fast moving and not suitable for swimming in. Canoes may launch from the launch on the eastern end of the site.
Phone reception
There is little to no phone reception on site. The nearest reliable reception is in the car park at the top of the hill where you came into the site.
There is a land line telephone in the manager’s accommodation which is available for EMERGENCIES ONLY.
Vehicles on site
Groups are asked to keep driving on site to the absolute minimum needed to arrive/leave site with their group. There is a speed limit of 10 mile per hour and drivers should be aware that the path through the site is very popular with local walkers as well as being used by other campers
When arriving and leaving the site, please close the gate behind you. Note – that the gate is locked each evening.
Want to find out more?
If you have addtional questions or want to find out more, you can contact us using the link below.
