As @GlosLiveOnline says, “With the Cotswolds, the Slad Valley and the Forest of Dean all within its borders, Gloucestershire is blessed with idyllic villages.” Many of these lie in and around the Forest of Dean and make great locations for an afternoon stroll.
As well as giving you the chance to see the local countryside, a village or town walk is a great opportunity to see a little more of the communities that make up the region. Here are some of our favourite routes.
Bream Village Walk
This easy circular walk starts from the car park next to the cenotaph in Bream Village. From there, the route takes you in an anti-clockwise loop past a number of historic buildings and important local sights. Make sure you take in the village croquet pitch which offers spectacular views over the Forest of Dean and surrounding countryside.
There are a number of cafes, shops, and pubs in Bream Village, giving you plenty of options for refreshment and relaxation. The walk is around one and a half miles in length.
Clearwell Village Walk
One of the prettiest villages in the Forest of Dean, Clearwell is a great destination for an afternoon stroll. This short ¾ mile walk starts from Clearwell Cross, right in the centre of the village. From there, it will take you past St Peter’s Church and towards the historic Clearwell Castle. Once you’ve explored the church and churchyard, head back into the village, passing the Victorian school building on the way.
Next, you’ll go past The Wyndham before walking towards the atmospheric Mortuary Chapel. If you’re feeling energetic, you can continue up the road to the Clearwell Caves, one of the most popular attractions in the regions. If not, head back to the Wyndham for a well-earned pint.
Ross Town Walk
At just 1¾ miles, this short walk is easy enough for most people to tackle. The route takes you on a journey through the historic town of Ross-on-Wye, passing some of the town’s principal sights on the way.
Start your walk at the car park on Brookend Street. From there, walk up Broad Street to Market Hall before turning onto the High Street and then venturing into the churchyard.
On the loop back to the car park, you’ll walk along the beautiful banks of the River Wye and see a little more of the spectacular surrounding countryside.
Lydney Docks
See a different side of the local area with a walk around Lydney Docks. Located on the banks of the River Severn, they were once an important part of the local economy and are still a well-known landmark. The route is around ¾ mile long and is mostly level. This makes it ideal for people of all ages and abilities.
Get more ideas for things to do in the Forest of Dean, and book your stay in the area, by exploring our site or getting in touch with a member of our team.
