The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a great place to visit in Gloucestershire. It is a fantastic place to visit in the area, and it’s free to enter. The Sculpture Trail is a delightful walk through a picturesque part of the Forest of Dean with many sculptures along the way.

You can take many routes through this part of the forest, many of which are waymarked. All waymarked routes are circular, starting and finishing at Beechenhurst Lodge. Seeing all the sculptures is approximately 4.5 miles long.

Where is the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail?

The easiest way to get there is by car. They have an extensive car park in Beechenhurst. You can also reach the sculpture trail by bus from either Gloucester or Coleford. A Stagecoach West Explorer ticket is often the best value ticket for a day trip on the Forest of Dean buses.

Beechenhurst Cafe

For most visitors, Beechenhurst Lodge is the starting point. Here you can find the Beechenhurst Cafe, a great place for brunch or lunch. They also have toilets you can use before you start your adventure. Beechenhurst Cafe is open daily; you can sit indoors or outdoors to enjoy food or drink. The car parking area is also a popular spot for picnics.

Visiting The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

To find your way around the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, it is best to download a PDF from www.forestryengland.uk or buy a paper map on arrival. However, signs mark each walk, so a map isn’t essential. You can choose a route that suits your ability.

The full trail has 18 sculptures and is about 4.8 miles long. Walking and seeing every sculpture takes about three hours; however, many take longer because of picnics or detours to take in the area’s natural beauty. There are also shorter, waymarked routes that cover 6 or 12 sculptures. The terrain can be challenging in parts because it has steep slopes and uneven ground. I suggest wearing sturdy walking boots or shoes for hiking here.

The Sculptures To See

The full 4.8-mile route through this part of the Forest of Dean has 18 sculptures. Some sculptures are easy to spot; others are off the main route and can be tricky to find.

Forest Cathedral at The Sculpture Trail — Forest Cathedral

‘Cathedral’ is my favourite sculpture on the side. This artwork is a suspended stained glass window positioned above one of the forest trails and is absolutely stunning. This piece is possibly the most photographed of all the site’s sculptures. Other artworks include:

Iron Road
Yasasin
Cone & Vessel
Echo a stone

Is The Sculpture Trail Dog-Friendly?

Sculpture Trail Dog Walk Gloucestershire

Dogs are very welcome to explore the trails with their owners. At the Beechenhurst site, there are water bowls available. There are streams in the woods, which my dog loves to have a sip from. However, for fussy dogs, it’s a good idea to carry some water. Dog owners should follow the Forest Dog Code to keep everyone safe and enjoy the area. I consider the area to be a great place to walk the dog.

In the local area, there are dog-friendly pubs and restaurants, so you can make a lovely day of your visit. There are also hiking routes in the Forest of Dean to extend your walk.