Maps & Guides

Find out about what the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley has to offer, including its attractions, activities, history and heritage, things to do, places to eat and stay and what makes this area so special. There are sections about our filming locations, our nature and wildlife and our market towns and information on walking and cycling.

With acres of ancient forest and a stunning winding river valley, walking is of course one of the most popular outdoor activities in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley and there are plenty of options for walkers of all types.

From the Forest of Dean Family Cycle Trail to downhill and mountain biking trails there are many different cycling routes in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with something for every age and skill level.

The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley has a fascinating film and TV history, being used as a location for a huge range of productions, from blockbuster international films to popular TV shows, children's programmes to dark fantasies. Download our Film & TV Trail to explore them all.

Freedom awaits the adventurous, creative and spirited in Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean. Whether you’re a foodie or thrill seeker, nature lover or wild explorer, this beautiful area has so many memorable experiences to offer. It’s a place to free your mind, body and soul, express yourself with arts and crafts, get outside and get active or simply explore a wealth of hidden gems and interesting things to do.

A gentle introduction to the region and some simple routes to get you started exploring. These 12 walks are all circular and are mainly on clearly defined, wellworn paths, tracks and lanes which should be easy to locate. There are route maps provided indicating the starting points, car parks and any gates.

Explore the historical legends, ancient myths and terrifying ghost stories that surround the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. From the historic folk tale of who killed the Ruardean Bear to the iconic legend of the Devil’s Pulpit overlooking Tintern Abbey, the bleeding stone at Staunton and the trial of the last person charged with witchcraft in Gloucestershire...

Our many market towns offer something unique to discover and our trail showing the top 10 with highlights and the best things to see is an ideal trail to follow when visiting the area. Each of our market towns offers a wonderful range of places to shop, eat and stay, with independent traders, historical sights and a warm welcome.

Feel the love in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley with our Romantic Trail designed to inspire you to make a plan to spend some quality time together with your loved one in our enticing ancient forest and dramatic river valley.

Visitors to the Wye Valley today are following in the footsteps of many an eighteenth century traveller, sketchbook in hand, eagerly pursuing the British equivalent of the European Grand Tour.

A circular 9 mile off-road cycling route around the Forest of Dean, the Family Cycle Trail is well signposted and easy to follow, ideal for all ages and a great way to explore the Forest of Dean on two wheels. Bikes can be hired, there are cafes and shops, guided rides and skills lessons available too.

Follow our special Leaf Peeping Drive through sweeping countryside with river views across ancient woodland before delving deeper into 10 hotspots en route to enjoy breathtaking views, riverside walks, lakes and arboretums drenched in autumnal colour.

Explore the Forest of Dean's Hidden Heritage in a series of apps, an exciting new way to explore the Forest of Dean using modern technology to bring historic areas to life. Using them is like taking a step back in time, showing you the Forest’s industrial past in a series of magical Then and Now images.