Out and About in the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean
The Wye Valley in the main is a broad, open and mainly rural area with a gorge between Monmouth and Chepstow. This latter area is designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and it is easy to see why. To follow the River Wye is to follow in the footsteps of those who instead of taking the “Grand Tour of Europe” opted for the “Wye Tour”. Towards the end of the 18th century, these Travellers, known as the Romantics, travelled by boat down the river from Ross on Wye to Chepstow, and used the spectacular scenery to inform their paintings and poems.
William Wordsworth composed some of his most memorable lines in the area – particularly when near Tintern Abbey. Offas Dyke Path (150 miles) runs through the area – as indeed does the Wye Valley Walk (136 miles), both offering good walking with wonderful scenery. There are also hundreds of miles of footpaths criss-crossing the amazing landscape.
There is lots for everyone to do from walking, canoeing, mountain biking, rock climbing, fishing etc., to simply relaxing and watching the world go by.
Monmouth (3 miles) is an historic and thriving market town set in the heart of the Wye Valley. The birthplace of Henry V and home to Charles Rolls the town has masses of interesting historical sites to see. There are also regular markets which add to the interest of the large variety of shops found on the main high street. There are also a variety of cafes, coffee shops, restaurants and pubs to whet your appetite. Places to visit in Monmouth are: Monmouth Castle; St Marys Church, Nelson Museum, Savoy Theatre, The Kymin plus many other places of huge interest. September brings the Monmouth Festival – a week of music and entertainment in the streets and pubs of Monmouth.
Photos repoduced here by kind permission of local photographer Steve Cooper.
The Royal Forest of Dean occupies an area of land, roughly triangular in shape (some say heart shaped) between the River Severn and the River Wye, and to the south reaches almost to the meeting of these two rivers. It’s eastern flanks look down on the River Severn and across the Vale of Gloucester to the Cotswolds whilst from its western edge there are distant views of the Black Mountains. It is one of England’s few remaining ancient forests, and covers some 30,000 acres of woodland. Much of the oak grown in the forest was used for ship timbers and Nelson once visited the Forest in the early 19th century to inspect the timber stock.
The forest is steeped in history and is home to the oldest court in the country – called the Verderers Court. Sheep still roam freely in the forest as do deer, wild boar, badgers and many other species of wild life and birds. It is said that the Forest was the birth place of the first long lasting railway line and some of the old iron works can be seen to-day, although it is amazing how nature has worked her magic to clothe the less pretty sites.
The forest provides the visitor with a huge variety of walks, outdoor pursuits such as mountain biking and quad biking and opportunities for bird watching, fungi foraging or simply taking in its breathtaking and often rugged beauty. There’s plenty for the very young visitor too – with mazes, play areas and generally having a good run about. Spring is a wonderful time in the forest due to its masses of bluebells and daffodils. and the autumn colours have been compared to those of New England in America.
Photos repoduced here by kind permission of local photographer Steve Cooper.
Coleford (6 miles) is a typical forest town with a selection of shops and supermarkets. It is also steeped in history and takes its name from the many coal mines which surrounded the area in years gone by. Many of the buildings are listed as having Special Architectural or Historic Interest. There are 2 golf courses on the outskirts of the town
Mitcheldean (12 miles) is situated on the very edge of the Forest of Dean some 10 miles from Gloucester. A magnificent church is part of the interest of this town together with the outstanding views of the River Severn from Plump Hill.
Lydney (10 miles) a thriving market town that boasts a harbour which is currently undergoing rejuvenation. There is also a train station here which accesses Cardiff and Swansea in one direction and Gloucester in the other. Of course from stations on this line other stations across the country can be accessed
Various attractions in the Forest. There are so many places to visit from high wires in the treetops to walking the Sculpture Trail. There are picnic areas where you can take your own BBQ and cook whilst the children paddle. Mallards Pike Lake provides a stunning backdrop at its picnic site. The New Fancy (an old coal mine) provides a fantastic viewing platform for watching Goshawks. There are railways to ride on, hot air balloons to fly in, and miles and miles of wonderful scenery to walk in.