Getting Around the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley

Once here there are many ways you can get out and explore the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Whether you're looking to see as much as possible with the flexibility of your own car or have a car free holiday and walk, cycle or use public transport, we hope we have provided all the information you need to discover our ancient forest and dramatic river valley.

By Foot

Walking is one of the most popular things to do and one of the best ways to explore the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. See our Walking pages for all the information you need. We have several national trails which travel through our area and we see many people walking the entire route as well as those walking shorter sections and travelling into and out of our area using these. They include The Offa's Dyke Path, The Wye Valley Walk, The Monmouthshire Way, The Gloucestershire Way and The Wales Coast Path. We are also on the most popular walking route for 'LE JOG' the 1083 mile Lands End to John O'Groats end to end walk.

Looking to explore the region in a wheelchair or with reduced mobility? Find out about our off-road trampers which can be hired from central locations here.

By Bicycle

There are a number of places where a bike can be hired, or of course you can bring your own and discover our miles of off-road cycle paths and our winding country roads. There is information on cycling routes throughout our area here.

By Train

Heritage steam and diesel services are run through the Forest of Dean by the Dean Forest Railway between Lydney, Norchard, Whitecroft and Parkend. For a car free holiday why not consider catching the train to Lydney and then taking the heritage railway into the Forest of Dean?

There are also a number of mainline train stations offering opportunities for travel within the area. See our Getting Here page for more information.

By Bus

With a little planning it is easy to travel around the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley without a car. Local bus services run throughout the area with stops in many popular locations as well as all major towns and villages. For more information see Traveline here.
For buses in the Forest of Dean see here.
For buses in Monmouthshire see here.
For buses in Herefordshire see here.

By Car

Due to our rural and expansive nature driving is the easiest way to travel around the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. There are many free car parks at good walking locations. Your holiday accommodation will also recommend parking spots for you. There are car parks within the all main towns with varying charges and there is a parking fee at popular Forestry England sites including Symonds Yat Rock, Beechenhurst and Mallards Pike Lake, although the parking tickets can be transferred from site to site. The Forestry England Discovery Pass is an annual parking pass that enables you to discover, experience and enjoy more of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley plus it gives discounts at some of the main attractions.

Electric Car Charging

You can see all accommodation providers with on site electric car charging here. There are also charging points at some towns and in shop car parks. For up-to-date electric car charging points in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley see here.

By Water

Bring your own or hire from one of our providers - canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard the River Wye with a 3-day trip from Hereford to Symonds Yat amongst the options.

On a Tour

You can also book a guided tour, ideal to enjoy the best of the area at your leisure. See our Tours & Trails page for all the information on walking tours, guided cycling tours, boat tours and even canoeing, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding tours!