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Home , Chepstow, Cinderford, Clearwell, Dean Forest Railway, Forest of Dean, Perrygrove Railway

Start at Dean Heritage Centre  Stay on route for two and 3 Beechenhurst Lodge a half miles. You will notice 5 Hopewell Colliery 6 At the 1 if arriving from the East picnic sites on either side of Visitor Centre An ideal location to go underground and see a Forest you can travel for 1 /2 miles on a unique 15” gauge this road. Each site provides has paid parking for cars and coaches (be sure to have Dean Heritage Centre  Speech House  of Dean coal mine, with mine workings dating back to estate steam railway and follow an all weather treasure some change ready). It also has loos, an excellent   picnic benches. the 1820’s. The attraction is open everyday during the hunt. An ideal attraction for children. the Cannop Ponds Coleford Caves cafeteria and a shop selling local crafts, gifts and main season and has a cafe. souvenirs plus a visitor information section. This is  400 yards further along 1 the starting point for the Sculpture Trail, buy a guide A little further on from the B4228 is Puzzle Wood RoyalForest The Dean Heritage Centre Hopewell Colliery you can on the right hand side. at the lodge. is an essential introduction to the . Shortly before the Speech House, on the left-hand side turn right at the next This is an extraordinary route Based around five galleries, it tells the story of Dean’s of the road opposite the Speech House Woodland you Sculptures such as the ‘Giant’s Chair’ and ‘Cathedral’ add crossroads for visitor attraction that highlights to a gentle and picturesque two-mile route. Rock viewpoint (B4432). defies easy description. a journey of two halves! unique culture and environment. Woodland walks, a will find the signposted Cyril Hart Arboretum. Ernest  To continue along the rooftop terrace café and a picnic and barbecue area Wilson, known as ‘Chinese Wilson’ as a result of his  To rejoin the route go straight over the This circuit through the heart of the Forest of Dean complement special events, exhibitions and craft collecting trips to the East, started this fine collection Route, turn right out of crossroads and follow the 7 Puzzle Wood has been divided into two halves. The first section, demonstrations throughout the year. of trees in 1916. There is a picnic site and parking. Beechenhurst and follow the road downhill towards from the Dean Heritage Centre to , A trail for the visually impaired is provided. road down the hill. Coleford (B4226). Turn left is a former (pre-Roman) open cast ore mine, although  From the Dean Heritage at the end of the road, is the best route and starting point for visitors arriving  Just before the crossroads its popularity today is really due to the extraordinary Centre car park, turn left: Further along the road (300 yards) on the left hand on the left you will find the towards Coleford. from and the East. For those joining the  landscape that the grown-over ore workings have You are heading for the side is the Speech House Hotel. entrance to Cannop Ponds. Coleford is a busy Royal Forest Route from the West ( and heart of the Forest of Dean! working town with a long created. A maze of paths with seats and bridges ) we recommend that you join at  Immediately on your history, you can follow the disorientate and surprise at every turn, like some Clearwell Caves and start with the section between right you will pass 2 The Speech House Hotel 4 Cannop Ponds Coleford Town Walk which fantasy movie set. highlights historic buildings. Clearwell Caves and the Dean Heritage Centre. Ponds Nature Reserve, a is another popular wooded picnic spot overlooking a pond. The Coleford Visitor  The Royal Forest Route pleasant spot for a picnic is a forest landmark. Built in 1676 as a hunting lodge Remember that the route is only 20 miles long. There is An ideal spot for lunch with the family, with a woodland Information Centre offers continues from Puzzle Wood or walk. for Charles II (his Arms can still be seen in the hotel’s stream that holds a fascination for younger children. advice, information and to Clearwell Caves. Come out plenty of time to stop, visit the attractions and enjoy  At the next junction stonework). The building became the administrative accommodation bookings. of Puzzle Wood and turn right the beauty spots. Plan your own diversions as well – follow the brown and centre of the forest, with the largest room being the   Leaving Cannop Ponds the On reaching Coleford, towards the Caves, follow the to visit the , Symonds Yat, nearby white ‘Scenic Route’ signs ’ Court. turn left at the traffic lights way you came in turn left and Brown and White signposts. ... There are many other options. Elsewhere in for one and a half miles to to continue on the Royal  Opposite the hotel you continue straight over the Take the next right turn off the this guide, you’ll find further information to help you /. Forest Route, following will find a stone monument crossroads along the Royal main road after about 400 plan. There is also plenty of easily printed information At Ruspidge you could the B4228 and Brown that marks the centre of Forest Route signposted for yards up the road and follow stop and take the ‘Blue and White signposts for on www.visitforestofdean.co.uk the Forest. Coleford B4226. ‘Clearwell Caves. Perrygrove. the road down the hill. The Rock Trail’ (on your right)  Continuing past the At this point you can seek Puzzlewood’ (Or for caves are about 400 yards  In this Guide, basic route information is a pleasant walk and Speech House Hotel out Pedalabikeaway (Forest Coleford Town Centre and down the hill on the left-hand marked with a black arrow. picnic site. you will soon see Cycle Centre) by turning right the Visitor Information side of the road.  Follow the road to the Attractions on the route are designated Beechenhurst Lodge at the crossroads. Follow Centre go straight ahead 1 T-junction at the end, at the traffic lights). with a green symbol. signposted on the right. Brown and White signpost. opposite you will see the From Pedalabikeaway there  On the Royal Forest Some of the Attractions near the route White Hart Inn. To continue are marked cycle routes Route following the B4228 and worth a detour have blue symbols. on the Royal Forest Route through the forest. go straight over at both sets The woods are lovely, turn left and follow signs  Back on the Royal Forest of traffic lights and head It is worth noting that some attractions charge for the Speech House out of town. Perrygrove dark and deep. Route you will see Brown Railway is half a mile an admission fee. (B4226). In a moment and White signs for Hopewell further on, on the left. But I have promises to keep, Please remember to follow the country code and the ashes are M90 Colliery, a reminder of the coal M80 tradition in the Forest. drive carefully in the forest – the sheep have the M8 made, but the  Turn right off the main And miles to go before I sleep, right of way! forest is a long M74 road into Hopewell Colliery, And miles to go before I sleep. For more information on the Route as well as or continue straight on for time growing. A74(M) things to do and see in the Forest of Dean, visit: Coleford Town Centre. Robert Frost (Stopping by Woods On a Snowy Evening) www.visitforestofdean.co.uk (Seneca) A1(M)

M6

  Start at Clearwell Caves if You will pass the Orepool Back on the Royal Forest M62 the M62 Inn on your right. Follow the Route after half a mile you M1 arriving from the West road towards Sling and will find Mallards Pike M53 RoyalForest before the Miner’s Arms turn signposted on your left. M1   M6 Clearwell Caves Clearwell right signposted to . route  Mallards Pike  Dean Heritage Centre  At the T-junction, turn right signposted for Blakeney. Birmingham A1(M) On this road you will pass a 10 8 Clearwell Caves Mallards Pike Lake M5 M1 M11 sign for the M40 M50 The caves are a unique part of Britain’s heritage. ore Way and also the Mary Rose This lake and picnic area (with loos) offers gentle walking The Forest of Dean Gloucester Young Pottery shop, both on and wonderful views plus the Go Ape! high adventure ropes M4 has been mined here for nearly 3000 years to form an M4 your left. Further along on course. At the lake you can see a sculpture of the frog and M2 incredible system of underground tunnels and chambers, M25 M20 your left (1.5 miles) is the the mermaid. The name refers to a tollhouse that once M3 of which 8 large caverns are now open to the public. M23 Nagshead Nature Reserve stood at the entrance. Mallards Pike is also the starting base M5 Originally a natural cave system, it is partially filled with M27 (RSPB). , which has been mined extensively since the for the Severnwye Llama & Camel Trekking company. beginning of the . Today, there is a fashionable  Turn left out of Mallards demand for Clearwell Ochre, an oxide pigment mined Cycle Pike and continue along Centre underground. Reds, yellows, purples and browns are used the road. for colourings, from watercolours to interior decoration.  Take the first left turning 9 Nagshead Nature Reserve after about a mile (under a  Leave Clearwell Caves and former railway bridge). If you This reserve is mostly woodland and is a great turn left, downhill to continue want to stop at Wenchford on the Royal Forest Route. place for bird spotting with about 2,000 nest boxes Picnic Site it’s on the right on the site. Here in the summer months you can see Just down the road from here is Clearwell, an attractive just before the bridge and is such rarities as the Pied Flycatcher, the Redstart or the village with several good pubs and inns. This section of clearly signposted. Wood Warbler. There’s an information centre for more  the Royal Forest Route includes some of the scenic Pass under the bridge details on birds and other animals in the area. and you will now be on the highlights of the Forest, and some excellent picnic spots. road known by the locals as  Come out of the Reserve ‘The Roman Road’. It is also  In Clearwell there is a and turn left and continue the road we like to call monument in the centre of to follow signs for Blakeney. the village, opposite The The Golden Mile. Mary Rose Bear left round the corner Young Pottery Wyndham Arms. Turn left at where you will find the Everyone will have their own favourite area of the the monument to continue Woodman Pub on your left. Forest, but in autumn the route between Wenchford along route signposted for  Continue straight along Clearwell Castle (not open Picnic Site and the return route to The Dean Heritage this road following signposts Centre is spectacular. The Golden Mile is, we think, the to the public), that you will for Blakeney. ‘must see’ part of the Forest for the autumn months soon pass on your right.  To visit New Fancy View,  Continue on the Royal a popular bird-viewing site, when the whole area is a riot of colour. This area is Forest Route past the Castle turn left off the route transformed again in May when the woodlands are until you see signs for following signposts for filled with acres of bluebells. Coleford on the left. Cinderford and The Speech  Turn right at the T-junction  On the bend turn left, House. signposted towards Coleford. to return to the Dean Heritage New Fancy View is on the Centre.  Continue along this right (300 Yards) and is road for 300 yards to the signposted. This will take you back to the start of the route. T-Junction. Turn left For those who started the route at Clearwell Caves signposted Coleford (B4228). turn right to visit the Dean Heritage Centre and then follow directions for the route from this point. There are good pubs, How to use craftspeople and food We recommend that you this guide… producers to distract stay for a few days to FOREST OF DEAN you, special events, experience the best of This brochure includes a cycle hire and sculpture Forests are great places to the Forest. The Forest itself map of the Forest of trails to enjoy. get lost in, but the Royal and the nearby Dean. You can use the welcome to the Forest Route guide is here Wye Valley, and map to complete a circular To join the Route, we’ve to help you find your Newent areas have driving tour of around suggested two joining way around – this is one seductive charms in any 20 miles of the ancient points according to place where a little local season. Spring offers forest. Better still walk whether you arrive from Queenof knowledge works wonders. daffodils and bluebells. or cycle part of the route. the East or the West. forests

As anyone Autumn Leaves from Falling Dance Gloucestershire Upon a Breeze Kaleidoscope Of will tell you: Colours Sleep there’s magic Cascading Trees in the forest! Andrew K Fletcher

The Royal Forest Route Go underground to Summer is a riot of green But we really do offers you an inside guide ancient ore mines, lunch – sunset in the Forest can recommend that you to the mysterious area of in fantastic picnic places, be breathtakingly beautiful. spend a few days Gloucestershire known as discover artists and exploring the Forest. the Forest of Dean. craftspeople inspired by It goes without saying that Around the 20-mile route A former royal hunting the landscape, try local Autumn has to be seen to you will find the natural forest that provided food foods and visit be believed. This brochure and man-made visitor for the King’s Winter Court wonderful independently- reveals The Golden Mile – If we rightly consider, every green attractions that give the at nearby Gloucester, the owned attractions our absolute ‘must see’ tree is far more glorious than if Forest such character. Forest of Dean has retained that just couldn’t exist highlight of the Autumn its aura of mystery. anywhere else! forest. it were made of gold and silver Martin Luther www.visitforestofdean.co.uk

Further Information Food and Drink in the Forest Alternatively discover some of the delightful Just around the corner from FOREST OF DEAN shops selling local produce such as Hunter & Todd There are plenty of places to stay in the Forest of Dean, full details of The Forest of Dean is a natural environment with a Delicatessen in Newnham-On-Severn, Over Farm the Royal Forest Route which can be obtained from the Coleford Visitor Information Centre, wealth of food and drink on offer. The Dean is home Market near Gloucester, or La Bodega at Taurus or by visiting www.visitforestofdean.co.uk where bookings can be Along with the attractions detailed on the route to several producers of outstanding natural foods. the made online. Crafts in Lydney. there are many other places to see that make the  Coleford Visitor  Cotswolds & Forest of Dean It can be very satisfying to buy your food direct from This area of Gloucestershire is famed for Blaisdon area worth staying a little longer to see. Information Centre, Destination Management source or see it being made, and there are lots of Red plums and apple and pear orchards. The village RoyalForest Symonds Yat, 3 miles from Coleford. Here there are High Street, Coleford, Organisation, Chargrove opportunities to do just that in Forest of Dean. of takes its name from the Saxon word for great views, including a Peregrine Falcon viewing point Gloucestershire, GL16 8HG House, Main Road, pear – pirige. Perry, a traditional fermented drink route Telephone: 01594 812388 Shurdington, The Forest is home to a number of speciality and at Symonds Yat Rock. Nearby are great locations for S e l f - dr i v e R o u tes to D i s c o v er Email: @fdean.gov.uk GL51 4GA award-winning cheese makers. Look out for Charles made from pears, has been produced for centuries the more adventurous with local canoe and kayaking t h e Q u een of F orests Telephone: 01242 864171 Martell’s ‘Stinking Bishop’ or Diana Smart’s ‘Single in Gloucestershire. There are over 100 varieties of centres. Also the aMazing Hedge Puzzle. Email: tourism@ local perry pear which are known by over 200 gloucestershire.gov.uk Gloucester’ to include in your picnic hamper. No bread Wye Valley. The Lower Wye Valley runs from to for your lunch? The Authentic Bread Company, based names such as ‘Hartpury Green’, ‘Blakeney Red’ and ‘Staunton Squash’! , forming the borders between and in Newent, makes more than 30 different types of . The natural beauty of the area is unquestionable. organic bread, savouries and cakes, which are sold Real cider, on the other hand, is simply made by Three Choirs is a friendly Travel Information at Wyedean Wholefood Shops in Lydney, Coleford, collecting local apples, pressing them to extract the Three Choirs Vineyard. way to discover how classic have once again Cinderford and Newent. juice and fermenting it. It tastes of apples, with distinct By Train: By Road: taken root in England after an absence of nearly 900 flavours coming from each variety or mixture used, and The nearest railway stations The Forest of Dean is within For a barbecue, the Forest has several excellent years. Stroll among 70 acres of carefully cultivated are Gloucester, Lydney easy access of the M4 (M48), subtly different levels of acidity, , alcohol etc butchers specialising in meat that has been reared vines, where well-chosen modern varieties grow and Chepstow. For travel M5 and M50 motorways, as well with each batch made. Some real cider is then bottled locally. Drop in to Mr Peters of White and Millers alongside world-renowned grapes such as Pinot Noir. information contact: as many major roads. National using the method champenoise (which some say was National Rail enquiries on: Express operates nationwide in Coleford and sample some of his award-winning coach services. sausages. For fish lovers the Severn & Wye Smokery invented by cidermakers in the Forest of Dean) to Lydney, a settlement since Roman times, was the Tel: 08457 48 49 50 at Chaxhill, Westbury-On-Severn, offers locally smoked make a naturally sparkling drink. Old farm cider was home of Sir William Wintour, Admiral of the Fleet of www.nationalrail.co.uk Tel: 08705 808 080 originally served straight from the barrel long after Queen Elizabeth I in 1588. Many of the ships to oppose www.nationalexpress.com salmon and eel. For a very short season in the Spring, elvers (eel fry which have journeyed from the Sargasso fermentation had ceased, and drunk still. Many cider the Spanish Armada were built from the Forest of Dean’s enthusiasts still prefer it like this. What is important oak trees. The recently restored Lydney Harbour is a rare Sea) are caught along the Wye and Severn, although Westbury Court Garden (National Trust) at is that wonderful fruity sharp natural flavour and a example of an unspoilt 19th century harbour which, nowadays most are exported to Japan, where they are Westbury on Severn. This formal Dutch Water Garden strength of around 5-8% which puts the drink mid along with the lower and tidal basins and the pier, has Tourist Information Centres revered and fetch a high price. was laid out between 1696 and 1705. The Water way between beer and . been designated Scheduled Ancient Monument status. Coleford Useful Links Even local wine is available. The Three Choirs Vineyard, Gardens include a long canal bordered by yew hedges High Street www.visitforestofdean.co.uk at Newent, has 70 acres of carefully cultivated grapes Finally look out for Freeminers and an elegant Dutch style pavilion. Historical varieties Taurus Crafts, an exciting Tel: 01594 812388 www.cotswolds.com ales, brewed in the Forest and of apple, pear and plum with many other plants place to see a vibrant range www.deanforestrailway.co.uk – including Pinot Noir. A visitor centre reveals the Gloucester www.deanheritagemuseum.com mysteries of winemaking and a shop offers estate award winning! introduced to England before 1700. The holm oak may of crafts and discover your 28 Southgate Street www.perrygrove.co.uk white, red rose and sparkling wines. Just down the be the oldest in the country. own creativity. Located Tel: 01452 396572 Why not pick up a copy of the www.clearwellcaves.com on the Lydney Park G l o u c esters h i re ’ s road, the family-run St Anne’s Vineyard grows over Wye Valley & Forest of Dean Newent, is certainly one of the most attractive www.tauruscrafts.co.uk Estate, it has a gift shop, G reatest N at u ra l W onder 100 varieties of grapes and offers fruit wines too. Eating Out Guide for a great towns in the Forest of Dean area. It is a thriving, www.pedalabikeaway.com delicatessen, restaurant and www.thespeechhouse.co.uk Why not sample the very best of food and drink in the range of restaurants, cafes, pubs unspoilt market town with a wide range of attractions S t u nn i ng S easona l c O l o u rs www.forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk the superb Forest of Dean and inns throughout the area. for the shopper and visitor. Many of the buildings D r i v e ‘ t h e G o l den m i l e ’ Forest by visiting the popular Forest Food Showcase Model Village. The village www..gov.uk For further information, visit date from the 13th century, and centrepiece of the www.puzzlewood.net that takes place every year in October at Beechenhurst. is home to a wonderful y ear ro u nd i nterest www.visitforestofdean.co.uk town is the Old Market Hall, which was built in 1668. collection of professionally The area around Newent has long been known for its t h e S tor y of c O A l , i R O N and O c h re crafted miniatures of wild daffodils, which grow naturally in the woods and local landmarks, towns meadows around the town. and villages. Leaflet Designed and Produced by Litchfield Morris, www.litchfieldmorris.co.uk All details correct at time of print.