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Walking

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.

Try our '12 Easy Walks' if you're looking for somewhere to start - download, print, and try a simple, circular walk in one of our many stunning locations. There are many longer trails also and even though you might not want to complete the entire 136 mile Wye Valley Walk, there are many shorter sections which make for a lovely day out and which can be turned into circular walks more often than not with a pub or cafe along the way! Likewise the Offa's Dyke Path, Gloucestershire Way and Monmouthshire Way. Or try the 4.5 mile circular Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail for something a little different. There are great town trails such as the Ross-on-Wye Vintage Trail and new trails such as The Wye Valley Greenway which opened in 2021 linking Chepstow and Tintern. Catch up with Wye Valley AONB's '50 Walks at 50' progress as they launch a walk a week in 2021 to celebrate their 50th anniversary here.

With miles and miles of idyllic landscape around us, walkers come from all over the UK and abroad to explore the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. The area is perfect for it, with well laid paths, excellent signage, varied terrain and beautiful scenery. Whether you are looking for a peaceful stroll or a lengthy hike, we're sure we have everything you need here.

Plus if you or someone you're with has limited mobility, you can also hire a mobility scooter from two key locations meaning no one has to miss out on exploring this glorious area.

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12 Easy Walks

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.
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail

4.5 mile long woodland Sculpture Trail beginning at Beechenhurst. Walk underneath a stained glass window hung high in the tree canopy and discover hidden places in the Forest. Free of charge and perfect for all ages. New pieces installed in 2021.
The Wye Valley Walk

A long distance national trail which follows the course of the River Wye from its source in mid-Wales to its confluence with the River Severn at Chepstow in Monmouthshire offering some of the most beautiful views of the Wye Valley.
The Offa's Dyke Path

A long distance national trail running along the border between England and Wales. It begins in the south at Sedbury Cliffs in Gloucester on the Severn Estuary in England to the east of the River Wye and for about 70 miles of the southern section through the Wye Valley AONB follows the course of the Offa's Dyke earthwork.
Symonds Yat Rock Walks

With one of the most iconic views in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, Symonds Yat Rock is often a must see for visitors to the area. So why not make a day of it and enjoy a walk in the area as well? There are waymarked trails in just about every direction, with flat routes suitable for all as well as walks down to the river, pub walks and long distance walks too.
The Wye Valley Greenway

The Wye Valley Greenway is a brand new 5 mile off-road shared use path between Chepstow and Tintern, travelling partially through a beautifully renovated old railway tunnel. The new path provides a safe walking and cycling route in the Wye Valley for people of all ages and is a great way to see some beautiful scenery under your own steam.
Guided Tours

An opportunity to book an experienced guide to explore the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley by foot. Bespoke tours can often be created or you may wish to join a group or improve your navigation.
Accessible Walks

If you have limited mobility, you might like to consider hiring an off-road mobility scooter in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley to allow you to explore at your leisure and join friends and family on some of our great walks without missing out.
The Gloucestershire Way

The Gloucestershire Way is a 100 mile (160km) long-distance national trail which crosses almost the full width of Gloucestershire from its westerly border with the Welsh town of Chepstow through the Forest of Dean to Tewkesbury in the north on the River Severn.
Leaf Peeping Walks

Our Chief Leaf Peeper Paul Rutter designed three very special walks to take to enjoy the best autumnal foliage in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, ideal for leaf peepers who want to stretch their legs and explore further.
The Monmouthshire Way

The Monmouthshire Way is a 116 mile circular walk that explores the ancient county of Monmouthshire in South East Wales. It has been designed by South Wales Long Distance Walkers Association member, David Morgan.
Other Walking Routes & Trails

There are a wide array of walking routes in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Whether you are looking for a short stroll, a pub walk, a walk with a viewpoint or a lengthy hike, whether you're walking with a dog or walking with kids, whether you have mobility issues or are taking on a multi-day trail, our ancient forest and wild river valley are beautiful landscapes to get out exploring.