Walking
In the Forest of Dean & Wye. Every type of walking experience you might want
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 in Beechenhurst for something a little different. There are great town walks such as the Chepstow Town Trail and new trails such as The Wye Valley Greenway which links Chepstow and Tintern. Catch up with Wye Valley AONB's '50 Walks at 50' progress as they launch a walk a week 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.
Walking Trails
Explore the diverse range of walks across the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. From relaxing riverside walks, to discovering epic viewpoints - for every ability, there's a walk for you.
Viewpoints & Sights
Discover the best viewpoints in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Explore scenic lookouts, picnic spots, and historic sites with breathtaking views across forests and rivers.
Heritage Trails
History is never far away in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. From ancient earthworks and medieval castles to industrial relics and fascinating folklore, our heritage trails bring the past to life.
Nature & Wildlife Trails
Our nature and wildlife trails offer the perfect chance to slow down, tune in to your surroundings, and experience the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley’s extraordinary biodiversity first-hand.
Accessible Trails
Everyone deserves the chance to enjoy the great outdoors – and here in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, there are plenty of trails designed with accessibility in mind.
Have you been down to the woods today?
Walking in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is an experience like no other
Read MoreCheck out some of our top self guided walks
Ross-on-Wye Riverside & Town Trail
Duration: 1 Hour
Distance 2.2 Miles
Explore Ross-on-Wye with this easy riverside and town walk. Discover historic landmarks, the River… Explore Ross-on-Wye with this easy riverside and town walk. Discover historic landmarks, the River Wye, The Prospect gardens and independent shops along the way.
Explore the Coppett Hill Walk near Goodrich Castle. A 6.3-mile circular route with hilltop views,… Explore the Coppett Hill Walk near Goodrich Castle. A 6.3-mile circular route with hilltop views, woodland paths, and riverside stretches in the Wye Valley.
Newent Medieval Buildings Town Trail
Duration: 1-2 Hours
Explore Newent’s medieval past with this self-guided walking trail. Discover historic timber-framed… Explore Newent’s medieval past with this self-guided walking trail. Discover historic timber-framed buildings, ancient streets and hidden stories in this charming…
Film & TV Trail
Follow the Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Visit real filming locations from… Follow the Film & TV Trail in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Visit real filming locations from Star Wars, Harry Potter, Sex Education, Merlin and more. Discover why film…
Other walking adventures and destinations
Chepstow Park Wood
This medieval hunting park covering survives intact as the Forest Commission's Chepstow Park Wood.… This medieval hunting park covering survives intact as the Forest Commission's Chepstow Park Wood. The wood is 7 km north-west of Chepstow Castle and was originally used by…
Dymock Woods
Famous for its carpets of spring wildflowers and peaceful trails, Dymock Woods is a beautiful spot… Famous for its carpets of spring wildflowers and peaceful trails, Dymock Woods is a beautiful spot to enjoy a slower pace and reconnect with nature.
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
Established in 1986, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a unique outdoor experience that… Established in 1986, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail is a unique outdoor experience that seamlessly blends contemporary art with the natural beauty of ancient woodlands.
Foresters' Forest
Foresters’ Forest is a £2.5m National Lottery Heritage funded scheme with 38 community projects… Foresters’ Forest is a £2.5m National Lottery Heritage funded scheme with 38 community projects that uncover, reveal, share and celebrate our heritage.
Inspirational articles all about nature and the outdoors
Watersports on the River Wye
Discover canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding on the River Wye in the Forest of Dean and Wye… Discover canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding on the River Wye in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley - from gentle paddles to full-day and multi-day trips.
The best places to see bluebells in the Forest of…
Discover the best places in the UK to see bluebells in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, with… Discover the best places in the UK to see bluebells in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, with peaceful woodland walks and seasonal displays across the region.
E-Bike Hire in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley
The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is one of the most admired cycling spots in the UK. There is so… The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is one of the most admired cycling spots in the UK. There is so much to see & so many miles to ride that you won’t want to miss any of it,…
Freemining in the Forest of Dean
For hundreds of years, mining of the Forest of Dean coalfield and iron reserves has been regulated… For hundreds of years, mining of the Forest of Dean coalfield and iron reserves has been regulated through a system of Freemining, find out all about it in our blog.
Businesses that welcome walkers
Blaize Bailey Viewpoint
Blaize Bailey is a viewpoint looking over a horseshoe bend in the River…
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