There is a vast choice of walks in the Forest Of Dean, ranging from Sunday afternoon strolls, circular pub walks to long-distance adventure hikes. Some key walking areas include the Wye Valley AONB, Cannop Ponds, and Mallards Pike. There are many other routes through the woods, however Ordnance Survey or Komoot is a great place to plan 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.
Walks along 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 for a rest and refreshments. The Saracen’s Head pub is very accommodating. The walk then proceeds downstream, passing the rapids and follows the river past the Seven Sisters, then open farmland to Monmouth.
Coleford to Monmouth Walking Route
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 England/Wales border. From there, the route takes you alongside the riverbanks through pretty meadows to the small city of Monmouth.
Walk from 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 rather picturesque and lovely place to sit after a hike.
Joys Green to Symonds Yat Riverside Walk
I chose the walk from Joy’s green to Symonds Yat as it is the closest bus stop I could find to the River Wye in Lydbrook that was a direct service. The Bus is the number 23 from Gloucester.
Having reached the River Wye in Lydbrook, the next part of the walk is easy navigation, downstream all the way, following the river until reaching the Saracen’s Head. This gives you the chance to explore and freestyle walk.
The Stenders near Drybrook – Various Walks in the Forest of Dean
There are various options for walks 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 walks locally and easily accessible from the hourly bus from Gloucester. If you wanted to stay overnight, Greenway Farm is a campsite nearby and a great base to explore 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 to stop at for refreshments. Heading down hill to the west is the village of Mitcheldean, which has 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 is open all year round.
Plump Hill to Drybrook Walks
A walk from the fishing pond near to Plump Hill above Mitcheldean. This walk takes you through some great woodland and has magnificent views over the village and local quarry.