Outdoor activities to enjoy…
WALKING
Offa’s Dyke Path
T: 01547 528753 Email www.offasdyke.demon.co.uk
The Path runs for 177 miles from Sedbury Cliffs on the Severn Estuary near Chepstow to the North Wales resort of Prestatyn on Liverpool Bay. For about 70 miles it follows the course of the Eighth Century Offa’s Dyke earthwork. Offa’s Dyke Path, while not being the longest of the National Trails, is the most attractive and varied of them. The route crosses high wild moorland, attractive, well cultivated wide river valleys and ancient woodland. It passes through historic towns and isolated hamlets. En route can be seen hill forts, castles, abbeys and surviving remains of the habitations of former occupants of the beautiful corridor of the path. The flora and fauna are as rich and as varied as the scenery. At the halfway point in Knighton is the Offa’s Dyke Centre with its Interactive Exhibition for the Dyke and a range of services for walkers.
Wye Valley Walk
If you are looking for a pleasant afternoon stroll, weekend break, or a 2 week walking holiday then the Wye Valley Walk is well worth considering. This beautiful 136 mile (218km) trail follows the river valley from Chepstow in Monmouthshire to the slopes of Plynlimon in Powys, crisscrossing the border between England and Wales. The walk is waymarked with the distinctive leaping salmon logo.
Poets Path Walk
T: 01531 822468 Email
A circular walk from Dymock, taking in places of interest associated with the Dymock poets; Abercrombie, Brooke, Drinkwater, Gibson, Thomas & Frost. A leaflet on the walk is available from Newent Tourist Information Centre for £0·50p.
Sculpture Trail
T: 01594 833057 Email
Situated in the heart of the Forest of Dean is truly a magical and imaginative walk, where around every bend on the path you will find stunning sculpture placed among the backdrop of greens and gold, russets and red. In 1984 sculptors were invited to visit the Forest to create inspirational works of art. The result – three and a half mile sculpture trail through majestic oaks and pines which was opened in 1986. Follow the blue ringed posts and direction arrows. Please ensure that you have an up-to-date leaflet (available from Beechenhurst Lodge) before following the waymarked trail!
RIDING
Forest of Dean Equestrian Centre
Shap House, Yorkley Wood Road, Yorkley, Lydney, Gloucestershire, GL15 4TY
T: 01594 562219
The Forest Of Dean Equestrian Centre is a Competition centre, that has been established now for over 25 years, and is well known for the variety of competitions they run, including affiliated dressage, unaffiliated dressage, affiliated show-jumping, unaffiliated show-jumping, dog shows etc.
Severn Vale Equestrian Centre
Tidenham, Chepstow, Gwent, NP16 7LL
T: 01291 621676
Riding school, livery yard, top class training and tuition provided for all levels.
CYCLING
FODCA Trail
T: 01594 833057 Email www.forestry.gov.uk/forestofdean
The Forest of Dean Cycling Association trail is graded RED on the CTC classification of cycle trails. Designed, built and maintained by the association members in partnership with the Forestry Commission, this challenging and varied single track can offer something to even the most demanding of riders, from tricky switchback climbs to rooty drops and hairpin bends. It is for experienced riders only and is suitable for off-road quality mountain bikes.
Family Cycle Trail
T: 01594833057 Email www.forestry.gov.uk/forestofdean
A waymarked circular route mainly on former railway lines with connecting routes to villages and picnic sites. This route has been especially surfaced and is suitable for all ages and abilities. The Network Map is available for £1·50 from Pedalabikeaway, Beechenhurst Lodge and the Forest of Dean’s Coleford office. Trail waymarking is yellow.
Pedalabikeaway Cycle Centre
T: 01594 860065 info@pedalbikeaway.com
Bike hire for all ages and abilities. Open all year – closed Mondays except school holidays. Cafe, repairs workshop, cycle spares shop, toilets/showers and bike wash available. Centrepoint for all cycle tracks. 1 hour rental from £3·00 to a whole day from £7·00. Family and Group discounts available.
GOLF
Forest Hills Golf Club
T: 01594 810620 Email www.foresthillsgolfclub.co.uk
18 hole, 72 par parkland golf course, 20 bay driving range with on-site pro shop, practice greens, tuition, changing facilities and buggy hire. At Forest Hills you will always find the warmest welcome waiting in the friendly clubhouse with it’s fully licensed bar and restaurant. Sunday carvery, Thursday evening steak night and occasional Friday curry nights. Pay and play £17 weekdays, £25 weekends.
Rodway Hill Golf Course
T: 01452 384222
A parkland golf course situated two miles from Gloucester on the outskirts of Higham. The course itself is a championship length course par 70, 6040 yards with a mixture of testing par 3’s, 4’s and par 5 holes. Within the complex is a practice area and putting green to fine tune your game. The Pro shop, licensed bar and restaurant can seat up to 50 at a time. The Pro shop and restaurant are open from dawn until dusk in the summer months, so you can be assured that after a round of golf you can then enjoy the 19th, with seating area provided both inside the club house or outside on the patio area. Weekdays £8·00 for 9-holes, £14·00 for 18-holes. Weekends £9·00 for 9-holes, £16·00 for 18-holes.
MISCELLANEOUS
Go Ape! High Wire Forest Adventure
Mallards Pike Lake, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
T: 0870 444 5562 www.goape.co.uk
Go Ape! is a high wire forest adventure course of rope bridges, tarzan swings and zip slides up to 35 feet above the forest floor.
Elton Farm Mazes & Mountainboard Centre
Elton Farm, Elton, Newnham, Gloucestershire
T: 01452 760795
Farm ground comprising of mazes with theme covering 8 acres and mountainboard centre.
Sources of information about the Forest of Dean
Forest of Dean District Council
Tourist Information Centres in the Forest of Dean
Coleford
T: 01594 812388
Newent
T: 01531 822468
Cinderford
T: 01594 823184
Lydney
T: 01594 844894