Beautiful Walks in the Forest of Dean – A Beginner’s Guide
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The Forest of Dean is one of the most beautiful places in the UK. Its tall, ancient trees and hidden glades are perfect for long, leisurely walks.
You’ll find over 100 walking routes through the forest, ranging from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes.
It’s also one of the best places in the country for wild camping. In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about hiking the Forest of Dean.
From the best Forest of Dean hiking trails to campsites and accommodation options. If you’re looking to get outdoors, read on and discover the best walks in the Forest of Dean.
Why should you go walking in the Forest of Dean?
The Forest of Dean is a National Forest in Gloucestershire, England. The local authority designated it as a conservation area in 1967 and forms part of the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This beautiful area of ancient woodland and steep-sided, craggy valleys is both wild and accessible. You can hike along quiet lanes and past ancient villages, and even see a Forest of Dean waterfall on some of the best walks in Forest of Dean.
There are some 300 kilometres of footpaths, and the forest is also a popular area for walkers. The Forest of Dean walks are some of the best in the entire UK.
This area is one of the most beautiful, with tons of natural history, beautiful views and quaint villages that surround the area. With plenty of wildlife, naturalists will love the area too.
Where is the Forest of Dean?
The Forest of Dean is located in the Cotswold Hills, to the north of the Severn Valley in Gloucestershire, England. Stroud borders it to the East, and to the south, it is bordered by Gloucester and to the north by Dursley.
The area is famous for the ancient Cotswold Oak trees that grow here, which you can see for yourself on one of the many walks in the Forest of Dean.
It spans a relatively large area, meaning that you can combine visits to different kinds of places and still visit the Forest of Dean.
Hiking in the Forest of Dean
The Forest of Dean is home to some of the best hiking trails in the UK. It’s a great place to explore the great outdoors, and you can choose from easy strolls to challenging treks.
Forest of Dean hiking trails can range from a variety of different walks. From a Forest of Dean waterfall walk, Forest of Dean circular walks and Forest of Dean dog walks, there is something for everyone to enjoy here.
When it comes to places to visit in Forest of Dean, and things to do in Forest of Dean, you are not short for choice. That’s why I’ve decided to write this blog post – to help you find the best walks in Forest of Dean for you.
Walks from Beginner to Intermediate
The Forest of Dean is a popular choice for walkers of all paces, with plenty of walking routes to suit all interests and levels of ability.
On some of the Forest of Dean walking trails, you can hike along quiet lanes and past ancient villages or walk through the beautiful King’s Wood to Severn Vale.
You’ll also find some of the best walks in the UK in the Forest of Dean, with routes that run through ancient oak woods or along breathtaking cliffs.
Which route is right for you?
The ideal way to explore the Forest of Dean is on foot. You can choose from a vast array of walking trails that go through the forest or along its many rivers and streams. There are plenty of quiet paths to explore. You can also do longer hikes that lead to stunning views of the Cotswolds from above.
Wye Valley Walk
The most popular walk in the Forest of Dean is the Wye Valley Walk. This is the ultimate when it comes to Wye Valley walks and Wye Valley Hikes.
This trail follows the river Wye from the Kirkstone Pass to Severn Vale. It’s safe for families with kids, and it leads through beautiful, quiet forests.
This walk is 136 miles in total but can be easily split into sections to make it more manageable.
This is one of the fantastic river walks in the Forest of Dean, with scenic views and wonderful birdwatching opportunities.
To enjoy the Forest of Dean section of the Wye Valley walk, make sure to head to the Chepstow area. The other end of the walk heads all the way up into Wales.
Why not try the area around Tintern Abbey for an extra exciting walk?
Check out this Forest of Dean walk map so you can see the areas that this section of the walk leads through.
Watch This Video On The Wye Valley Walk
This short video shows some of the highlights of the Wye Valley walk so definitely make sure to check it out!
Whitestone
One of the easier walks with good views is Whitestone. It is a gentle woodland walk that passes a waterfall and finishes with amazing views over the Wye Valley. This is certainly one of the Forest of Dean highlights.
It is also near Tintern Abbey, which is certainly worth a visit.
This is a gentle walk that includes many of the things that make the walks in the Forest of Dean so enjoyable.
This picturesque trail, extending roughly 5 to 8 miles (8 to 13 kilometers), invites walkers to immerse themselves in the serene beauty and historical richness of the Forest of Dean. However, you can always shorten the walk and turn back whenever you feel like it – this still makes for a great walk.
For those relying on public transport, nearby train stations in Gloucester or Chepstow serve as starting points, with local buses or taxis completing the journey to Whitestone.
If you’re driving, just head to the free Whitestone car park. Here, you will see signs of the scenic routes ahead.
Also, following the River Wye is another great option when it comes to the Wye Valley walks.
Sculpture Trail
A unique walk is the Forest of Dean Sculpture Walk. This one is a 4.5-mile walk through the forest, so it’s pretty manageable for most walkers as one of the more gentle hiking routes.
It takes you around a number of statues based around different themes and built into the landscape. This one’s really unique and perfect if you want something a bit different.
One for art lovers, this one could also suit families with children who want something to make the walk a little more exciting.
To reach the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, you can drive to the Visitor Centre in Coleford, Gloucestershire, which has parking facilities. From Gloucester, take the A40 and B4231; This circular walk starts at the traditional Speech House and takes you past Speech House Lake and through the woods.Lydney or Gloucester, from which you can take a bus or taxi to Coleford. Local buses connect Coleford with nearby towns, but it’s advisable to check schedules in advance.
This is a truly special one when it comes to Forest of Dean walks, and not one to be missed.
It is near the Forest of Dean cycle centre, making it a great option for cyclists. It is also nearby to the beautiful Cannop Ponds, which are well worth a visit too.
Speech House Woods
Just up the road from the Sculpture Walk is Speech House Woods. This circular walk starts at the traditional Speech House and takes you past Speech House Lake and through the woods.
Another easy walk, this one is very picturesque and has even been used as a filming location for the BBC show Merlin. This really is one of the Forest of Dean hidden gems.
For fans or those who want an easy or short walk, this one’s perfect.
The walk around Speech House Lake is approximately 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) long. It typically takes around 30 to 45 minutes to complete, making it a manageable and enjoyable outing for all fitness levels.
It includes woodland paths and scenic views of the tranquil making, making it a great option for those wanting a simple walk while still experiencing the beauty of the Forest of Dean walking trails.
Simply park up at the Speech House and take the short walk down to the lake.
Check Out This Video On Visiting Speech House Lake
ThirdEyeTraveller, one of my favourite UK travel bloggers, made a wonderful video on visiting Speech House Lake. Definitely make sure to check it out before you visit.
Trellech Beacon
Trellech Beacon is a slightly more difficult walk, but has absolutely wonderful views. This is one of the Wye Valley circular walks that leads you to the top of a hill.
Here, you can enjoy stunning views over Wye Valley, the Cotswolds, and even the Malvern Hills.
A highlight for birdwatching, nightjars are known to take up residence here in the summer. This is definitely one of the most impressive walks in the Forest of Dean.
If you want something a little more off the beaten track that will take your breath away, then the Trellech Beacon is the perfect option for you.
The Trellech Beacon Walk is approximately 5.5 miles (8.8 kilometres) long and generally takes about 2.5 to 3 hours to complete. The route is well-marked and manageable for most walkers.
The walk typically begins in the village of Trellech, which has parking available and is accessible by car from nearby towns.
Simply head to the Trellech Beacon Car Park, and you will be all set to go.
To discover more about the nearby Cotswolds, make sure to read my article on the Top 10 Most Beautiful Cotswold Villages
Wild camping in the Forest of Dean
Are you thinking of doing some Forest of Dean wild camping? Well, many folks do it.
However, BE WARNED wild camping is illegal in the UK. It is, however, tolerated by many – especially if you are staying overnight on one of the long-distance hiking paths.
It is most important to always leave the camping spot the same as you found it. Also, it can be worth pitching up as far from the path as possible so as not to disturb walkers or be disturbed yourself.
Something else to be aware of when camping in the Forest of Dean is to beware of any drops or hill edges. Due to the cliffy nature of the landscape, there are often hidden drops around the area, so always be aware of these for the sake of your own safety.
Make sure to check out this post by indiecampers on Wild Camping to make sure you’re clued up.
How To Go Camping in the Forest of Dean
There are a number of forest rangers that are active in the area, especially the areas that tend to be populated with deer, so this is always something to be aware of.
A good bet is to camp in a campervan or motorhome if you have this option available. These can be parked in the car parks located around the forest, and make sure you’re less likely to be asked to move on if discovered by rangers.
Of course, if you’re willing to do so, there are many, many camping sites for you to pitch up on in the area, and are a guaranteed bet that you won’t be moved on halfway through the night!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Forest of Dean?
The Forest of Dean is a forest in the South West of England, known for its history and beauty.
What is the Forest of Dean famous for?
The Forest of Dean is famous for it’s scenic views, it’s beauty and it’s wonderful walks. With a long history, there are many amazing Forest of Dean hiking trails that go past places of interest, and allow you to become immersed in the beautiful nature of the forest.
What are some nearby things to do in the Forest of Dean area?
Some great things to do in the Forest of Dean area include outdoor activities such as cycling or kayaking. You can also visit the mystical Puzzlewood, walk the Offa’s Dyke Path or enjoy the panoramic views of Symonds Yat or the Devil’s Pulpit.
Conclusion
The Forest of Dean is one of the best places in the country for hiking. It has hundreds of miles of trails through ancient trees, along cliffs and along quiet rivers. In addition to hiking, you can also go camping.
The forest is great for more experienced campers. The area is filled with quiet glades perfect for pitching up, and the forest is also great for more experienced campers. The Forest of Dean is also a great place for walking.
Visiting walkers will love the area’s vast selection of trails. They will also love the area’s ancient trees, glorious cliffs and quiet rivers. Visitors who want to camp in the forest will love the area’s quiet glades and beautiful beaches.
I really hope I’ve managed to provide some options for you here, and you can begin planning your trip to the Forest of Dean.
Thank you so much for reading, and I hope to see you back here again, too.
Ta-ta for now!
