Forest Of Dean Walks and Walking Routes

There is a vast choice of walks in the Forest of Dean, ranging from Sunday afternoon strolls and circular pub walks to long-distance adventure hikes. Some key walking areas include the Wye Valley, Cannop Ponds, and Mallards Pike. There are many other routes through the woods; however, Ordnance Survey or Komoot are great for planning a route.

The Best Walks & Hikes in The Forest of Dean

Some Forest of Dean and Wye Valley walking guides and journals by @aboutglos. I have enjoyed the walks listed here.

The Wye Valley

This is a long, extended, all-day Wye Valley walking route, starting at Staunton in the Forest of Dean and heading downhill through some very wild woods. Eventually, the walk reaches the river at Biblins footbridge. The route then heads upstream on the Doward side to the hand ferry at Symonds Yat. This is a great place to rest and have refreshments. The Saracen’s Head pub is very accommodating. The walk then continues downstream, past the rapids and along the river past the Seven Sisters, then open farmland, to Monmouth.

Coleford to Monmouth

A long day hike starting in Coleford and heading through the hills towards the quaint village of Newland. From there, you pass through woodland and head downhill in the valley towards Redbrook. Redbrook is an ideal refreshment stop with 2 pubs joined by a viaduct that crosses the River Wye and the England/Wales border. From there, the route takes you alongside the riverbanks through pretty meadows to the small city of Monmouth.

Ruardean To Lydbrook

A downhill walk starting at the top of Ruardean Hill and descending through woods to The Pludds. The route then proceeds via country lanes to the River Wye at Lydbrook. The river at Lydbrook is a picturesque place to sit after a hike.

Joys Green to Symonds Yat Riverside Walk

I chose the walk from Joy’s Green to Symonds Yat because it was the closest bus stop I could find to the River Wye in Lydbrook with a direct service. The bus is number 22 from Gloucester.

Once you reach the River Wye in Lydbrook, the next part of the walk is easy: navigate downstream, following the river until you reach the Saracen’s Head. This gives you the chance to explore and freestyle walk.

The Stenders near Drybrook

There are various walk options in the Stenders area, some on wide forest roads and others on overgrown narrow paths. The area is popular with dog walkers and ramblers. The site is a great launchpad for longer local walks and is easily accessible by the hourly bus from Gloucester. If you want to stay overnight, Greenway Farm is a nearby campsite and a great base for exploring the local area.

The Village of Drybrook is nearby and a nice walk downhill from the forest. Drybrook is on the hillside and has splendid views. The village has a few shops, a chippy, and a local pub for refreshments. Heading downhill to the west is the village of Mitcheldean, with a variety of shops, a brewery, and a decent local pub called The White Horse. The village has a medieval church at the bottom of the Stenders.

Not too far to walk, and also mentioned on the @aboutglos gold mining page, is Wigpool. The nature reserve at Wigpool is a remnant of the acidic bog and heathland that once covered most of Wigpool Common. The pool is within a large conifer plantation with a good range of acidic-marshland plants. Wildfowl, common frogs, palmate and smooth newts call this reserve home. Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust manages this site and it is open all year round.

Plump Hill to Drybrook

A walk from the fishing pond near Plump Hill above Mitcheldean. This walk takes you through some great woodland and has magnificent views over the village and local quarry.

Cannop Ponds & Mallards Pike

Cannop Ponds & Mallards Pike are two lakes in the Speech House area and are excellent places for adventure. Walking routes circle both, with many connecting them. I’ve enjoyed many walks in the area and found the variety of routes keeps it interesting. As a bonus, Mallards Pike Lake has a place for refreshments. If travelling to the area by bus, Cannop Ponds is an excellent option to start a circular route, as the bus stops near the ponds.