Symonds Yat services
A40 eastbound between Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth
Signposted from the road.
HR9 6DP
map and directions
Two sites located between junctions, with no public connection between them.
The larger of the two service areas at Symonds Yat, the main side is a former truckstop with an unusual layout.
Facilities
Amenities: Games Arcade, Showers Outdoor Space: Grass verge only (care needed) Forecourt: Shell, Select, Deli by Shell, Costa Express
Parking Prices
First 2 hours free for all vehicles.
This information is provided to us by third parties. You should always check with staff on site.
Contact Details
đą Address:
Symonds Yat Services
Whitchurch
Ross-on-Wye
Herefordshire
HR9 6DP
- đ Official Shell website
- Foursquare Page
- đ what3words: ///tightest.supported.slogged
- more map options
Trivia and History
The site opened in the 1970s as a small building and parking area on a very large plot of land.
It was redeveloped in 1975 and became a truckstop, although the regulations at the time didn't define what a 'truckstop' was, which is why it was never formally signposted as one. It was ran by Truckers, who were themselves acquired by Norfolk House. A new facilities building was built in 1999.
A few years later, a formal car park was created. The original car park is the tiny area next the forecourt, which has been closed off. The increased car parking was arguably the start of this becoming more of a general service area than a dedicated truckstop, but successive owners continued to highlight the ample parking for HGVs.
One unusual feature is the display of a large MID (the fuel price sign), positioned well before the service area, on the main A40.
There was a Little Chef built near here in around 1970, which had closed by 1980.
Going Mainstream
The service area was purchased by motorway operator First in 2006. First provided their green and white signage all around, including on a large "Welcome to First Motorway Services" sign visible from the A40. Other posters pointed out that it was the "last fuel [before the] M5". First claimed they had made a success of it and wanted to take over several more.
First were taken over by Roadchef in 2011, who said this was their first A-road site and that they would work with it and see what could be done. Under Roadchef, the forecourt changed from BP to Murco, while First's shop branding was retained, but with a Costa unit added.
Roadchef sold the site to High Noon Stores, who changed the Costa unit to their own creation, 'Route 40 Café'. They also opened a SPAR store.
Forecourt Operators
After High Noon Stores fell into administration, MFG purchased the site in March 2017. A Londis store replaced the former SPAR store and the fuel supply changed again from Murco to Shell. The independent café remained trading until late 2018 when MFG closed the café and replaced it with a Subway store, which opened early 2019.
Evidence of First's ownership is still visible inside the amenity building, with signage still displayed in First's distinctive green and red colours.
MFG sold the forecourt to placate the Competition and Markets Authority in March 2023. It was sold to Shell, who closed the Subway store and rebranded the shop to their Select brand. They later added a deli by Shell hot food offering too. MFG had intended to build an electric vehicle charging hub here, but these plans were withdrawn following the sale of the site.
Alternatives
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| Daff-Y-Nant (westbound, Πmile) Ross Spur (8 miles) | Services on the A40 | Monmouth (9 miles) |