- Itineraries
- 3 Day Spring Itinerary In The Forest Of Dean
About The Itinerary
Woodland trails, river crossings, and bluebells by the mile
Spring changes everything here. The canopy fills out, the bluebells arrive, and the longer evenings give you time to actually stop and take it all in. This three-day itinerary covers the best of both the Forest of Dean and the Wye Valley, with short drives between stops and enough breathing room that you won't feel rushed. Including woodland walks in the morning, riverside pubs for lunch, and golden light on the hills by evening.
Itinerary Info
Duration:
3 Days, 2 nights
Itinerary Schedule
Beechenhurst and the Sculpture Trail
Park up at Beechenhurst and start with coffee at the on-site cafe and don't forget to pick up a map too. Although getting lost is all part of the fun isn't it?!
Once you're fuelled, head out on the Sculpture Trail, a circular route through the trees with art installations tucked into the woodland along the way.
It's well-signed, and a good way to get your bearings in the forest without needing a map or a plan. Give yourself a couple of hours here. There's no rush.
Lunch at The Speech House Hotel, then the arboretum
A short drive through the forest brings you to The Speech House Hotel, one of the oldest and most storied buildings in the Dean. Have lunch here, their restaurant The Orangery has a fantastic menu. It offers a walk-in service so pre-booking is not necessary. The food is good, the setting is better, and you'll be well placed for the afternoon.
After eating, walk across to the Cyril Hart Arboretum. It's managed by Forestry England in the Forest of Dean and home to dozens of different tree species, with wide paths and open clearings that feel completely different from the denser woodland of the morning. In spring, the place is full of birdsong and new growth.
Guided wildlife experience with Ed Drewitt
Book an evening session with wildlife expert Ed Drewitt. His guided experiences take you into the forest as the light fades, when the woods come alive in a completely different way.
This part of the forest is known for its wild boar population, and dusk is the best time to spot them. Even if you don't see boar, Ed's knowledge of the local ecology makes the walk worth it on its own.
Symonds Yat Rock and Kingfisher Cruises
Get to Symonds Yat Rock early. Grab a coffee from the Symonds Yat Rock Cafe and enjoy one of the best viewpoints in the country before the crowds arrive. Peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs here, and spring is a great time to watch them.
From the top, take the path down to the river and into Symonds Yat. Once you're at the water, join Kingfisher Cruises for a relaxed trip along the Wye.
Lunch at the Saracens Head, then canoeing or paddleboarding
The Saracens Head Inn sits right on the riverbank. You arrive by the old hand-pulled ferry, which is an experience in itself. Have lunch here, then decide how you want to spend the afternoon.
There's a range of watersports based nearby, including canoes, kayaks and and stand-up paddleboard sessions on the Wye available. If you'd rather stay dry, the riverside walk in both directions is worth the time.
The valley is steep-sided and green, and in spring the afternoon sun cuts through the branches and hits the water, creating a beautiful and peaceful backdrop – you may not want to leave the pub.
Sunset at Symonds Yat Rock or New Fancy
Head back up to Symonds Yat Rock for sunset. On a clear spring evening, the view over the valley is worth the return trip.
If you'd prefer somewhere quieter, drive to New Fancy viewpoint instead. It's a former quarry with wide views across the forest canopy and far fewer visitors. Either way, bring a flask and something warm. Spring evenings can still bite.
Dean Heritage Centre and Soudley Ponds
Start your last day in the Soudley Valley. Park at the Dean Heritage Centre for breakfast and coffee at the Heritage Coffee shop, then walk down to Soudley Ponds. The paths here are gentle and well-maintained, winding through woodland thick with bluebells from mid-April.
This whole section of forest, from the ponds south towards Bradley Hill, is one of the the best bluebell areas in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. If you're after a longer walk, follow the path towards Blackpool Bridge along the old Roman road. If you want to keep it short, the loop around the ponds takes about an hour and the colour is worth every minute.
Cannop Ponds is another good choice. You can walk or cycle the trail from The Speech House to Cannop, where trees shade the waterside paths and bluebells line the banks in late April and early May.
Deli lunch and a forest picnic
Pick up something good from one of the local delis, then find a picnic spot. The forest has plenty to choose from.
Mallards Pike Lake is a favourite, with grassy banks beside the water. Beechenhurst has covered picnic areas if the weather turns. Or if you're near Soudley, there are quiet clearings just off the main paths where you can sit and eat with nothing but trees for company.
Take a look at some of our favourite picnic sites here.
If you're passing through Lydney on your way home, stop at Hips Social for a proper coffee. They roast their own blend and serve good food, and they're open from 7.30am if you need an early start.
Where to stay
The Belfry in Littledean is a solid choice with character and a good location between Soudley and the Speech House. Forest Barn Holidays offers self-catering stays surrounded by woodland, a proper base for a few days of walking, eating, and exploring at your own pace.
Bluebell inspiration
The Forest of Dean is one of the best places in the country for bluebell walks. They typically peak between mid-April and early May, though they can appear up to two weeks earlier in the Wye Valley.
For a full guide to the best displays, read our bluebell blog here: The best places to see bluebells in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
So what are you waiting for? Plan your spring visit today!
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