{"id":8835,"date":"2025-08-08T09:30:05","date_gmt":"2025-08-08T08:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/?p=8835"},"modified":"2025-10-16T09:12:57","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T08:12:57","slug":"forest-of-dean-walks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/forest-of-dean-walks","title":{"rendered":"7 Stunning Forest of Dean Walks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"color: #724d68;\"><b>Experience breath-taking viewpoints, untamed nature and ancient forests on one of these fabulous Forest of Dean walks.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Nestled between the Wye Valley and the River Severn, The Royal <a href=\"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/forest-of-dean-cottages.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Forest of Dean<\/a> is one of England\u2019s only ancient forests. Formerly a royal hunting forest, home to an abundance of natural resources, the forest is now an enchanting place, loved by many.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #724d68;\"><em><strong>Today the forest is home to an array of wildlife and many fascinating trails waiting to be explored. Keep reading to discover our favourite Forest of Dean walks \u2026<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f0edef; padding: 32px 32px 10px 32px; border-radius: 15px;\">\n<ul>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 1px;\"><a href=\"#sculpture\">The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 1px;\"><a href=\"#waterfall\">Forest of Dean Waterfall Walk to Cleddon Falls<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 1px;\"><a href=\"#puzzlewood\">Puzzlewood<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 1px;\"><a href=\"#symonds\">Symonds Yat Rock<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 1px;\"><a href=\"#trail\">The Beechenhurst Trail<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 1px;\"><a href=\"#tintern\">Tintern Abbey and Devil\u2019s Pulpit Circular Walk<\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"margin-bottom: 1px;\"><a href=\"#cannop\">Cannop Ponds Walk<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"sculpture\">1) The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail<\/h2>\n<p><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8846\" src=\"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/Sykes-Blog-Image-4-1.jpg\" alt=\"The Cathedral, stained glass window suspended in the iar along the Sculpture Trail.\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a collection of sculptures, inspired by the unique qualities and landscape of the Forest of Dean. Left to be reclaimed by the forest, the collection of world-class artworks can be admired along this charming 7km trail.<\/p>\n<p>Highlights include the Iron Road, with forest-inspired images carved into twenty sleepers and the Cathedral; a 15ft high stained glass window suspended in the air.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Start:<\/strong> Beechenhurst Lodge Picnic Site, Beechenhurst, Speech House Road, Coleford, Gloucestershire (GL16 7EG)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Distance: <\/strong>7km (2 hours)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Route Details:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"waterfall\">2) Forest of dean Waterfall Walk to Cleddon Falls<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8840\" src=\"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/Cleddon-Falls.jpg\" alt=\"Cleddon Falls cascading through the valley\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A popular Forest of Dean and Wye Valley attraction, Cleddon Falls are a spectacular site and popular walking destination. As part of the Wye Valley Way, the Cleddon Falls Walk starts at Bigsweir Bridge and takes you through the charming Wye Valley to Cleddon Falls, above Llandogo. Enjoy sights of crystal-clear waters and atmospheric woodlands on this delightful Forest of Dean Walk.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Start:<\/strong> Bigsweir Bridge (NP25 4TS)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Distance:<\/strong> 13km (4 hours) or 8km (2 hours) for the shortened version.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<div style=\"background-color: #eeeeee; padding: 32px 32px 5px 32px;\">\n<h3>Related Cottages<\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li><a style=\"color: black;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/forest-of-dean-cottages.html\" rel=\"noopener\">Forest of Dean Cottages<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: black;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/luxury-holiday-cottages.html\" rel=\"noopener\">Luxury Cottages in the Cotswolds<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a style=\"color: black;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/weekend-cotswold-breaks.html\" rel=\"noopener\">Weekend Breaks in the Cotswolds<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"puzzlewood\">3) Puzzlewood<\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8838\" src=\"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/Puzzle-Wood.jpg\" alt=\"A bridge in the enchanting forest at Puzzlewood\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>An area of Ancient Forest, set in the heart of the Forest of Dean, Puzzlewood has been used as the setting for many TV and Film productions including Doctor Who and Star Wars. J R R Tolkein worked in the area, so perhaps these enchanting woodlands were the inspiration behind the magical world of Middle Earth.<\/p>\n<p>In the early 1800s, a local landowner laid down a mile of meandering pathways through the trees. Originally designed for the entertainment of his own family, Puzzlewood opened up to the public in the 1900s and is now a popular Forest of Dean walking trail.<\/p>\n<p>Let your imagination run wild as you explore secret caves, ancient trees and interesting rock formations at Puzzlewood, before enjoying a refreshing drink or snack at Puzzlewood Cafe.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Start:<\/strong> Puzzlewood, Perrygrove Road, Coleford GL16 8QB<\/p>\n<p><strong>Route Details and Tickets:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/puzzlewood.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Puzzlewood Walk<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"symonds\">4) Symonds Yat Rock<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8839\" src=\"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/Symonds-Yat.jpg\" alt=\"Views of a lake and house at Symonds Yat\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>There are miles and miles of woodland paths and interesting tracks waiting to be discovered at Symonds Yat. With six popular Forest of Dean walking routes available, Symonds Yat has something to offer the whole family.<\/p>\n<p>From an easy circular woodland trail to a more challenging 17km circular forest walk, you\u2019ll be treated to panoramic views, ancient hill forts and attractive woodlands. Keep your eyes peeled for fallow deer, wild boar and goshawks. Symonds Yat Rock is well known as one of the best places in the UK to observe Peregrine Falcons.<\/p>\n<p>There is a complete <a href=\"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/walking-the-wye-valley\">River Wye walk<\/a> that explores over 136-miles of the Wye valley for those feeling adventurous.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Start:<\/strong> Symonds Yat Rock Car Park, near Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 7NZ.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Distance:<\/strong> Various Routes<\/p>\n<p><strong>Route Details:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forestryengland.uk\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/Symonds%20Yat%20walking%20trails%20-%20website%20-%20Sep%2020.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Symonds Yat Rock Trail Map<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"trail\">5) The Beechenhurst Trail<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8837\" src=\"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/The-Beechenhurst-Trail.jpg\" alt=\"A delightful forest of dean walk\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Also known as the \u201cRamblers Route\u201d, the Beechenhurst Trail explores the ancient woodland in the east of the Forest of Dean. This is a challenging 13km circular hike, with plenty of ascents and descents on uneven paths.<\/p>\n<p>Whilst taking on the Beechenhurst Trail you\u2019ll come across Speech House, Cannop Ponds, the Hopewell Colliery Museum and Cyril Hart Arboretum. A fantastic introduction to the wonders of the Forest of Dean.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Start:<\/strong> Beechenhurst Lodge Car Park, Beechenhurst, Speech House Road, Coleford, GL16 7EL<\/p>\n<p><strong>Distance: <\/strong>13km (3.5 hours)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Route Details:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forestryengland.uk\/sites\/default\/files\/documents\/Beechenhurst%20walking%20trails%20-%20website%20-%20Sep%2020.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Beechenhurt Trail<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"tintern\">6) Tintern Abbey and Devil\u2019s Pulpit Circular Walk<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8842\" src=\"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/Tintern-Abbey-Walk.jpg\" alt=\"the ruins of Tintern Abbey with blue skies\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Offering stunning views of Tintern Abbey and the River Wye, Devil\u2019s Pulpit is a viewpoint and limestone rock formation along the Offa\u2019s Dyke Footpath, often considered as one of the best walks in the Forest of Dean. Local\u00a0legend\u00a0states that the devil sat here, preaching to the monks below, tempting them to desert their order.<\/p>\n<p>Walking from the village of Tintern, you\u2019ll cross the old Wireworks Bridge before ascending 300 meters over rocks and steep inclines. However, upon reaching Devil\u2019s Pulpit, you\u2019ll be rewarded with breathtaking views before a gentle stroll back down to the village.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Start:<\/strong> Tintern Car Park, Tintern Abbey, Chepstow NP16 6SF<\/p>\n<p><strong>Distance: <\/strong>8.5km (2 hours)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Route Details:<\/strong> Tintern Abbey and Devil\u2019s Pulpit Circular Walk<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 id=\"cannop\">7) Cannop Ponds Walk<\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-8841\" src=\"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2021\/06\/Cannop-Ponds-Walk.jpg\" alt=\"Pond surrounded by forest during the Cannop Ponds Walk\" width=\"640\" height=\"427\" \/><\/p>\n<p>A delightful walk in the Forest of Dean, taking you through enchanting woodlands to Cannop Ponds and the Cannop Stoneworks.<\/p>\n<p>The ponds were created in 1825 to power a huge waterwheel at Parkend Ironworks and are now the ideal picnic spot for you and your loved ones. This idyllic area is home to an array of wildlife, including Mandarin ducks, reed warblers, mute swans and beautiful dragonflies.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Start:<\/strong> Cannop Ponds Forestry Commission Car Park, West Dean, Lydney, GL15 4JS<\/p>\n<p><strong>Distance:<\/strong> 3.2km (45 minutes)<\/p>\n<p><strong>Route Details:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.visitdeanwye.co.uk\/dbimgs\/Walk9.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Cannop Ponds Walk<\/a><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"2605\" data-end=\"2635\"><strong data-start=\"2608\" data-end=\"2635\">Extra Walks to Discover<\/strong><\/h2>\n<h3 data-start=\"2637\" data-end=\"2671\">8) Mallards Pike Lake Circular<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2672\" data-end=\"2901\"><strong data-start=\"2672\" data-end=\"2682\">Start:<\/strong> Mallards Pike Lake Car Park, GL15 4HD<br data-start=\"2720\" data-end=\"2723\" \/><strong data-start=\"2723\" data-end=\"2736\">Distance:<\/strong> 1.5\u20133km (30\u201360 minutes)<br data-start=\"2760\" data-end=\"2763\" \/>A flat, accessible walk around a serene lake, with the option to extend into woodland trails. Ideal for families, pushchairs, and picnics.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"2903\" data-end=\"2949\">9) Soudley Ponds &amp; Blaize Bailey Viewpoint<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2950\" data-end=\"3154\"><strong data-start=\"2950\" data-end=\"2960\">Start:<\/strong> Soudley Village Car Park, GL14 2TZ<br data-start=\"2995\" data-end=\"2998\" \/><strong data-start=\"2998\" data-end=\"3011\">Distance:<\/strong> 5km (2 hours)<br data-start=\"3025\" data-end=\"3028\" \/>A peaceful woodland and water walk that rewards you with one of the Forest\u2019s most stunning viewpoints across the River Severn.<\/p>\n<h3 data-start=\"3156\" data-end=\"3200\">10) Lydney Harbour &amp; Severn Estuary Path<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3201\" data-end=\"3396\"><strong data-start=\"3201\" data-end=\"3211\">Start:<\/strong> Lydney Harbour Car Park, GL15 4EJ<br data-start=\"3245\" data-end=\"3248\" \/><strong data-start=\"3248\" data-end=\"3261\">Distance:<\/strong> 4km (1.5 hours)<br data-start=\"3277\" data-end=\"3280\" \/>Follow the path from the historic harbour along the Severn estuary for big-sky views and birdwatching opportunities.<\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><strong>If you\u2019re looking for a place to stay whilst exploring this incredible area, be sure to check out these gorgeous <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/forest-of-dean-cottages.html\"><strong>Forest of Dean holiday cottages<\/strong><\/a><strong> or our wide range of <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/wye-valley-cottages.html\"><strong>Wye Valley accommodation<\/strong><\/a><strong>.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>For a Christmassy escape, read our blog: &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/15-must-visit-christmas-markets-in-gloucestershire\">15 Must-Visit Christmas Markets in Gloucestershire<\/a>&#8220;.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Here at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/\">Manor Cottages<\/a>, we have hundreds of cottages across the Cotswolds, Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, providing the perfect base to take on one of these delightful Forest of Dean Walks.<\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p><small>Image Credits: <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Stained_Glass_Panel,_Sculpture_Trail,_Forest_of_Dean_-_geograph.org.uk_-_46816.jpg\">Pip Rolls<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.geograph.org.uk\/photo\/6549993\">John Winder<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Cinderford_Brook_Path,_Forest_of_Dean_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1236573.jpg\">Eric Soons<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/2.0\/\">CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a>), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/rbevanphotography\/6796488359\/\">Richard<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nd\/2.0\/\">CC BY-ND 2.0<\/a>), <a href=\"https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/wiki\/File:Tintern_Abbey_and_Courtyard.jpg\">Saffron Blaze<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-sa\/3.0\/\">CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>)<\/small><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<h2 data-start=\"3403\" data-end=\"3450\"><strong data-start=\"3406\" data-end=\"3450\">FAQs About Walking in the Forest of Dean<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"3452\" data-end=\"3688\"><strong data-start=\"3452\" data-end=\"3497\">1. Are these walks suitable for children?<\/strong><br data-start=\"3497\" data-end=\"3500\" \/>Yes, many are family-friendly, such as Cannop Ponds, Mallards Pike, and Puzzlewood. More challenging hikes like the Beechenhurst Trail are better for older children or experienced walkers.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3690\" data-end=\"3879\"><strong data-start=\"3690\" data-end=\"3720\">2. Do I need hiking boots?<\/strong><br data-start=\"3720\" data-end=\"3723\" \/>For shorter, flatter routes in summer, sturdy trainers are fine. For longer or wetter routes, walking boots are recommended due to uneven and muddy terrain.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"3881\" data-end=\"4086\"><strong data-start=\"3881\" data-end=\"3932\">3. Is there public transport to the trailheads?<\/strong><br data-start=\"3932\" data-end=\"3935\" \/>Public transport is limited in the Forest of Dean, so driving is the easiest option. Some routes are accessible by local buses from Coleford or Lydney.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4088\" data-end=\"4232\"><strong data-start=\"4088\" data-end=\"4114\">4. Can I bring my dog?<\/strong><br data-start=\"4114\" data-end=\"4117\" \/>Yes! Dogs are welcome on most trails, but please keep them under control, especially around livestock and wildlife.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4234\" data-end=\"4380\"><strong data-start=\"4234\" data-end=\"4271\">5. Are the walks open year-round?<\/strong><br data-start=\"4271\" data-end=\"4274\" \/>Yes, but winter weather can make some paths muddy or slippery. Always check conditions before heading out.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4382\" data-end=\"4543\"><strong data-start=\"4382\" data-end=\"4423\">6. Is parking available at each walk?<\/strong><br data-start=\"4423\" data-end=\"4426\" \/>Most routes start from Forestry England or public car parks. Charges may apply, so bring coins or check payment apps.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Experience breath-taking viewpoints, untamed nature and ancient forests on one of these fabulous Forest of Dean walks. Nestled between the Wye Valley and the River Severn, The Royal Forest of Dean is one of England\u2019s only ancient forests. Formerly a royal hunting forest, home to an abundance of natural resources, the forest is now an [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":70,"featured_media":8836,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8835","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-activities","location-wye-valley-and-forest-of-dean"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8835","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/70"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8835"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8835\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":12880,"href":"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8835\/revisions\/12880"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8836"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8835"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8835"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.manorcottages.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8835"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}