Autumnal Leaf Peeping Walks

We have 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.

Speculation to Mireystock Bridge

Approx. Distance: 2 miles.

Parking: Speculation car park (gates close at dusk).

A gentle walk in the heart of the Forest of Dean. Beginning at Speculation car park, surrounded by oak trees and silver birch, the route heads to Mireystock Bridge where leaf peepers should look out for oaks, sweet chestnut and beech trees along the way before circling back to the car park through alders, spruce and hawthorn trees.

The walk features a variety of ancient trees and newer plantations, creating a compilation of shapes, sizes and species that radiate browns, coppers, yellows and bright oranges through the autumn months.

Download the walk as a PDF here.

Nagshead RSPB Nature Reserve

Approx. Distance: 1.5 miles.

Parking: Nagshead car park (gates close at dusk).

This circular walk begins in the car park of Nagshead Nature Reserve. Distinctive red oaks, sycamores, a large willow and a wych elm encircle the car park, immediately providing a festival of colour before the walk even begins.

The looping walk passes large beech trees, silver birches and sweet chestnuts along the way. Look out for large veteran oaks that will change to a russet brown in autumn as the acorns fall. Along the way a coniferous plantation with dark evergreens contrasts against brown gnarly oaks, yellow hornbeams and copper beech trees as they light up in autumn.

Download the walk as a PDF here.

Welsh Bicknor

Approx. Distance: 3 miles.

Parking: Layby halfway up Coppett Hill or the unused quarry to the right of the layby before the cattle grid.

A walk through a varied landscape that begins walking up Coppett Hill. The open grassland here is home to rare small leaved limes that turn a rich yellow in autumn. Along this route there will be oak plantations and wide panoramic views across the Wye Valley as it changes from a dense green to an autumnal extravaganza of colour.

The circular route offers plenty of variety. Look out for yellow tulip trees, horse chestnuts, elms and limes as the walk goes through open fields and down winding country tracks, stopping along the way to admire the view and marvel at the sweeping autumn colours.

Download the walk as a PDF here.