New Year resolutions inspired by the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

The tradition of New Year’s resolutions dates back to medieval times when knights made an annual “Peacock Vow” as part of their chivalric order commitment. We know it’s not easy to change entrenched behaviours or make time in a busy life, but perhaps you can try or continue something new in 2024 that will help go find freedom. 

Paddleboarding and Canoeing 

The River Wye is a meandering waterway that carves through 155-miles of countryside from north Wales to the Severn Estuary via an Area of Natural Beauty (AONB) that is the splendour of the Wye Valley. Paddleboarding is a perfect way to gently experience its wildlife and majestic scenery, while honing your balance, core and upper body strength.  

Throughout the year you will spot riverbank creatures, starting in spring with kingfishers, otters, water voles and dazzling displays from dragonflies. Inspire 2 Adventure offers paddleboarding courses from beginner to those who prefer more of a challenge. For people who prefer to sit, then hire a canoe with Wye Valley Experience and book a safari with friends or the kids for a memorable day out. 

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Foraging  

Foraging is an eye-opening adventure that awakens you to the abundance of nature’s larder in almost every field, hedgerow or wood.  Not only is foraging a mindful practice that’s good for mental health, you learn to identify and pick what you can - and can’t - eat as the seasons change.  It’s best experienced with a guide and who better to book a course with than Ed Drewitt, our Chief Leaf Peeper, and Tudor Farmhouse Hotel who together teach the basics of edible countryside delights.  

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Cookery Courses  

As a foodie's paradise brimming with incredible growers and producers, why not learn how to cook some exceptional food? The award-winning Harts Barn Cookery School draws on inspiration from around the world to teach kids some skills for life, and adults the tricks of the trade from butchery to artisan baking, or Indian street food to dinner party feasts. 

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Image Credit Callum White

Stargazing  

Learn the night sky in one of the UK’s best spots for clear skies. Join legendary storyteller Jim Bell on a Stargazing Safari and explore the universe from a hilltop vantage point.  Through binoculars you’ll observe stars, constellations and planets, then discover the fascinating science and stories behind them.  Jim also brings with him his personal, portable planetarium, so you can be sure that you will see the stars whatever the weather.  

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Rock climbing  

There is nothing quite like the sense of achievement after scaling a rockface, so join the rock-climbing renaissance and marvel at the skill of elite climbers who popularised the pastime with audacious climbs captured in Free Solo. It is never too late to learn this skill and in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley we have a range of cliff faces for scaling or bouldering, for novices and Alex Honnold- wannabes alike. Join Forest Adventure and its highly-trained instructors, who will get your hands chalky as you get to grips with abseiling, belays, carabiners.  All against a backdrop of broad-leafed woodland, and the River Wye overlooking the famous Symonds Yat Rock. 

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Archery  

Make like a medieval knight and master this ancient hunting technique. As well as a great work out for the arms, torso and core, archery teaches you hand-eye co-ordination and is great fun for individuals and groups as you learn the skills to hit that target. Join DBC Leisure in its all-weather shelter where GNAS-qualified instructors will provide modern equipment and you will soon discover how compelling this sport is and how competitive it can be. 

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Hopefully this blog has inspired you to try your hand at something new this year. Please do leave us a comment in the section below to let us know what new things you are going to learn or any other resolutions.