The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a free walk through the woods at Beechenhurst in Gloucestershire, with artworks hidden among the trees. It is one of my favourite places for a walk in the Forest of Dean, particularly with the dog. You can follow the full trail or choose a shorter circular route.

The full Sculpture Trail is approximately 4.8 miles (7.7 km), with 18 sculptures on the current route. The works are inspired by the forest’s trees, wildlife and industrial past, and some are easier to spot than others. The trail was established in 1986, and new sculptures have been added over the years.

Where Is the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail?

The usual starting point is Beechenhurst on Speech House Road, near Coleford. The easiest way to get there is by car, and there is an extensive paid car park. It is also possible to reach the area by bus from Gloucester or Coleford, although you should check current routes and connections before setting off.

Beechenhurst Cafe

Beechenhurst is a handy place to start and finish the walk. There is a cafe serving food and drinks, with indoor and outdoor seating, as well as toilets and picnic areas. It is a useful place to stop before setting off around the forest. Check the Forestry England Beechenhurst page for current facilities, parking and opening times.

Walking the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

The trail is waymarked, although I recommend downloading the Forestry England sculpture trail map before visiting or picking up a paper copy at Beechenhurst. Some sculptures are tucked away from the main path and are easy to miss without a map.

The full circular route is 4.8 miles (7.7 km). Forestry England also marks two shorter options: approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) for sculptures 1–6 and 3.1 miles (5 km) for sculptures 1–13. Allow around three hours for the longer walk, or more if you plan to stop for photographs, a picnic or a closer look at the artwork.

The ground is uneven in places, with slopes, narrow paths and loose stones, so I suggest wearing sturdy walking shoes or boots. Parts of the trail can be difficult with pushchairs or wheelchairs. Forestry England provides advice about alternative access and all-terrain mobility scooter hire, so it is worth checking before your visit if accessibility is a concern.

Sculptures to See on the Trail

There are currently 18 sculptures on the trail. Some stand beside the path, while others blend into their surroundings. The photographs below show some of the works I’ve seen on my walks. Sculptures can change or be decommissioned over time, so the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust is the best place to check the latest list.

Cathedral

Cathedral is my favourite sculpture on the trail. Created by Kevin Atherton in 1986, it is a large stained glass window suspended above one of the forest paths. The coloured glass looks particularly impressive against the surrounding trees, and you can see it from several angles as you approach.

Iron Road

Iron Road, by Keir Smith, runs along a former railway embankment. It resembles railway sleepers laid along a tree-lined track, with markings and carvings in the wood. I like how the installation connects the walk with the Forest of Dean’s industrial past.

Yaşasin

Yaşasin is a white wooden sculpture made in 2016 by Pomona Zipser from a sweet chestnut tree felled nearby. Its name means ‘hooray’ in Turkish. The pale wood stands out among the surrounding trees, although its shape still fits the woodland setting.

Cone & Vessel

Created by Peter Randall-Page in 1988, Cone & Vessel takes its inspiration from the shapes of a pine cone and an acorn cup. The two large stone carvings are set among the trees, drawing attention to details you would normally only notice in much smaller objects on the forest floor.

Echo

Echo is a rock-like artwork by Annie Cattrell, installed in 2008. Set in a small quarry, it replicates the exposed sandstone behind it and is easy to overlook at first. The piece commemorates Jeremy Rees, one of the founders of the Sculpture Trail.

Searcher

Searcher is a lifelike deer sculpture by Sophie Ryder. It recalls her original work, River Crossing, which featured 13 deer appearing to cross a pond. Those earlier sculptures were deliberately made to rust away over time, while Searcher was reinstated in 2001. It is one of the sculptures that feels particularly at home in the forest.

Wildlife Along the Sculpture Trail

There is plenty of wildlife in this part of the Forest of Dean. Wild boar also live in the forest, so visitors should never approach or feed them. The Visit Dean Wye wildlife guide has more information about animals you might encounter.

One of my most memorable encounters was with a hissing adder that wasn’t impressed by the dogs or my presence. As the adder is the UK’s only native venomous snake, we gave it a wide berth. It certainly made that part of the walk memorable.

I’ve also watched a buzzard flying above the forest clearings. On one visit, one swooped down and landed in a tree above us. Keeping your eyes open and taking the quieter paths can make a walk here even more interesting.

Is the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail Dog-Friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome on the trail. There are water bowls around Beechenhurst, and we’ve also come across streams in the woods. I still suggest carrying drinking water for your dog, particularly on a longer walk. Follow the Forest Dog Code and keep your dog under control around wildlife and other walkers.

I’ve always enjoyed walking here with my dog and have met plenty of other dog walkers along the way. It is one of my favourite places for a dog walk in Gloucestershire. There are also dog-friendly pubs and restaurants in the Forest of Dean if you want to make a day of your visit.

Other Walks Near the Sculpture Trail

There are plenty of other walking routes in the Forest of Dean if you want to explore further. The woods around Speech House have paths running in several directions, and I’ve enjoyed walking through them on visits to the area.

Cannop Ponds are nearby, down the valley on the other side of the main road. The ponds are a good place for a walk and photographs, with walking and cycling routes and plenty of wildlife to look out for.

Further through Speech House Woods is Mallards Pike, a lake surrounded by forest. There are picnic tables and places to stop for refreshments, and I particularly enjoy the scenery there in autumn.