“Where do I start?”
My husband and i were late in arriving, I was able to update the owners as they were meeting us. They told us it was no trouble and to have a safe journey. When we arrived, the cottage is set in a most tranquil area of the Forest of Dean, we were surrounded by beautiful woodland. As we arrived at dusk we didn't get the full idea of how close to nature we were until we pulled back the curtains the following morning...wow! A deer in the orchard and a lovely little Robin on the gatepost to wish us a good day. My husband and I enjoy cycling and on arriving had asked with regards to the best cycle areas of which the owners said they would look into. The following morning, the owner came over and had done research into the best cycle paths in the Forest of Dean. Cannop cycle hire is not too far a drive and we had the most enjoyable day, all off road cycling through the forest with paths set out for various abilities, we took the family cycle trail which at a leisurely pace took around 3 hours, is on a loop, with a half hour break to take in the scenery, finished off with a wrap and a latte from the carpark cafe. A day trip to Ross on Wye is definitely worthwhile, picturesque and a beautiful pub set on the River Wye plus a lovely town with lots of varying shops. We were only away for 3 nights and I'm certain there is more to see and do. The owners have a manual in the cottage which provides the very interesting history of the cottage and its former uses and also places of interest so there is something for everybody. Lastly, I cannot fault the cottage accommodation. My husband and I just wanted to get away, we love the rural areas of the country and the Forest of Dean is somewhere we haven't been. We were not disappointed. The external area of the property allowed us a seating area to take in the views for our morning coffee and our evening meal. Due to the surrounding woodland we felt very sheltered from winds and the air was warm. We were able to rest and read awhile on the sunloungers which were extremely comfortable. Upon entering the modern and clean cottage, the comfortable sofa affords you a view through patio doors to the forest and we were able to enjoy breakfast at the table for two taking in the view. The kitchen area allowed us to cook an evening meal for two with ease, lots of saucepans and crockery so everything was at hand. The cooker was amazing and the electric hob worked a treat. The bedroom is very sumptuous, the bed extremely comfortable, allowing for a good nights rest, the bedding and pillows were extremely luxurious. The bedroom window allowed for a lovely breeze to flow through so as it wasnt too warm to sleep. The ensuite, accessed via the bedroom had the most amazing power shower. We called into the local fish and chip shop only a short drive from the cottage, the fish was beautiful and the owner of the chip shop very pleasant, giving us lots of ideas for places to visit...Ross on Wye, Speech House if we wanted to see wild boar and deer. The local grocery shop is just next door to the chip shop so amenities are close by. For a tranquil get away I would definitely recommend Woods Edge Cottage. A beautiful setting with friendly approachable owners who live nearby for any queries etc but do not encroach on your time away. I would definitely encourage anyone to stay here and we will definitely be returning. In the current climate of Covid-19 it was noticeable just how clean the cottage was and how the owners had gone the extra mile in maintaining safety and cleanliness. I felt by the end of the three days that the owners were definitely friends and my husband and I can't thank them enough for their kindness and hospitality. An amazing holiday making amazing memories. Thankyou.
