Experience the history and the bluebells of the Forest of Dean in five of the best short walks
According to the playwright Dennis Potter, who was born there, the Forest of Dean is as beautiful as any place on earth. An exaggeration, perhaps, but this idiosyncratic, otherworldly place has that effect, with a surprise around every corner, whether it’s a stunning view or a glimpse of fallow deer or, even more exotically, wild boar. Sandwiched between the Severn and the Wye, the Forest of Dean is easily accessible from nearby Chepstow, Monmouth, Lydney and Gloucester. Whether you're in the area to scout out Harry Potter filming locations or looking to take a stroll in the spring bluebells, here are five of the best walks to experience the folklore and history of the forest.
15 Short Walks in the Forest of Dean
£9.95
Discover 15 of the best short walks in the Forest of Dean. Each walk comes with easy-to-read Ordnance Survey maps, clear route description and lots of images, plus information on local beauty spots and tasty refreshment stops. No challenging terrain or complicated navigation means walks can be enjoyed by everyone.
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The best walk to experience the Offa's Dyke earthwork...
What: Tidenham Chase and the Devil’s Pulpit
Summary: Wonderful open heathland, Offa’s Dyke and the classic view of Tintern Abbey
Start/finish: Tidenham Chase
Time: 1hr 45min
Distance: 6.2km (3.9 miles)
Climb: 120m
This is an easy and relatively short walk which includes spectacular stretches of the Saxon earthwork of Offa’s Dyke, with a remarkable view of Tintern Abbey. The route crosses the heathland of Tidenham Chase, which is now being actively managed, using Exmoor ponies for grazing, to improve the habitat by restoring native woodland and clearing plantations to increase the area of sandy heath.
The best walk for incredible views across the Wye Valley...
What: Brierley and Ruardean Hill
Summary: An easy stroll including a beaver enclosure, old mines and disused railway lines, and fabulous views
Start/finish: Junction of A4136 and Pludds Road, Brierley
Time: 2hr 30min
Distance: 7.7km (4.8 miles)
Climb: 180m
An exploration of forest tracks and old bridleways in the undulating open country on the northern edge of the Forest, passing a fenced enclosure where beavers have produced young (known as kits) in recent years and going through lanes and wildflower meadows with extensive views to the north into the Wye Valley and Herefordshire. The route then visits mining villages and hamlets and ends with a delightful streamside walk through open woodland.
The best walk to encounter the folklore and history of forest life...
What: The Dean Sculpture Trail
Summary: An extraordinary and enjoyable walk on forest roads, visiting a varied collection of sculptures in woodland
Start/finish: Beechenhurst Lodge visitor centre
Time: 2hr
Distance: 6.8km (4.2 miles)
Climb: 95m
A highly unusual and very rewarding walk, on easy forest tracks punctuated with a succession of fascinating sculptures. Many of them were specially created to reflect forest life and the old industries of the area, and some are designed to decay over time. An informative and inexpensive leaflet available from the cafe provides details of all the sculptures, while the whole trail is very well signposted.
The best walk to experience the Forest of Dean's unusual geology...
What: Near Hearkening Rock and the Buckstone
Summary: Forest roads and paths through wonderful broadleaved woodland, and an eclectic collection of rock formations and massive boulders
Start/finish: White Horse pub, Staunton
Time: 2hr 30min
Distance: 7.3km (4.5 miles)
Climb: 235m
This spectacular walk – particularly colourful in autumn – is on excellent paths and forest roads as it explores Highmeadow Woods, an area of ancient woodland which plays host to some extraordinary rock scenery, from the long overhanging cliff face of Near Hearkening Rock to the sheer mass of the Suck Stone and the Buckstone, rolled down the hillside by a group of travelling actors from London in 1885 but now back in its rightful place.
The best walk to see the bluebells in springtime...
What: May Hill
Summary: A simple climb to an iconic summit with an astonishing panorama, followed by an old cider house and a peaceful woodland walk
Start/finish: Glasshouse
Time: 3hr
Distance: 8km (5 miles)
Climb: 240m
Instantly recognisable from many directions, May Hill is a much-loved local landmark and is easily climbed on excellent tracks. The summit is crowned with a distinctive group of pine trees planted in 1887 to commemorate the golden jubilee of Queen Victoria, while a low ditch surrounding the summit possibly dates from the Iron Age. Conservation grazing is improving biodiversity, with wild daffodils, bluebells and heath bedstraw all thriving.
All these walks (plus 10 more!) are included in our guidebook to Short Walks - Forest of Dean. Other highlights include Nagshead Nature Reserve, Redbrook and Newland, and Soudley Valley Rural Geology Trail. Easy-to-read maps and clear route descriptions make these walks perfect for beginners and families. No specialist gear is needed, and each route includes information on facilities, parking, and highlights.
