Drive south from Ross-on-Wye and you will find yourself in the Forest of Dean. This ancient forest has changed many times over the centuries. In medieval times it was a royal hunting forest, before becoming a source of timber for the navy’s Tudor warships. By Victorian times it was a major site of industry, with coal mining and tramways punctuating the landscape. Today the forest is home to a wide variety of wildlife, and a great place to explore. There are many attractions within the forest including the following:
Beechenhurst – one of Britain’s oldest and largest woodland and possibly the best place to start your family forest adventure with its family activity trail, Sculpture Trail, play area and Go Ape Tree Top Adventure. You can even bring your bikes and access the wider forest on our Family Cycle Trail. Refuel in the café or bring your own food to enjoy in the beautiful picnic area.
Symonds Yat Rock – with its incredible viewpoint, discover the ancient hill fort, spot birds of prey including the many peregrine falcons, goshawks, sparrowhawks, buzzards, ospreys and owls. Enjoy a snack from the log cabin café before taking one of the waymarked trails linking to the River Wye and over the famous Biblins Bridge, or explore a choice of circular walks into the forest itself. There is also a cycling trail linking Forest Holidays and Camping in the Forest site at Bracelands to Symonds Yat Rock. Also in the area are Mallards Pike, a scenic spot with a variety of activities on offer for you to enjoy, Cannop Ponds, an idyllic spot to view local wildlife including mandarin ducks and Tidenham Chase, a walk along Offa’s Dyke and see stunning views at the Devil’s pulpit.
Scan the QR code below for full details on the Visit Dean Wye website:
