Forest of Dean - Sara's birthplace
- Steve McNickle
- Jan 21
- 5 min read
The Forest of Dean: Ancient Woodland Full of Wild Wonder
Tucked between the rivers Severn and Wye, the Forest of Dean is one of England’s oldest and most enchanting woodlands. Once a royal hunting ground, this 27,000-acre forest in Gloucestershire now invites visitors into a world where myth, wildlife, and natural beauty intertwine. Towering oak and beech trees line a network of trails that wind past hidden caves, old mines, and dramatic viewpoints like Symonds Yat Rock, where peregrine falcons soar above the River Wye (not that we saw any!).
We arrived at Bracelands Campsite, near Coleford in the Forest of Dean. Managed by Forestry England, the campsite is nestled within one of the many forested areas, creating a tranquil setting and offering access to numerous woodland trails.
We continued to enjoy favorable weather and took advantage of it by setting up our privacy room, attached to the side of the motorhome. This provided us with much more sheltered space in case of rain - which never came :-).
If you look closely at the picture below, you'll notice the deer surrounding us! It took the dogs some time to get used to their presence...
We woke the first morning to a glorious day - what a view from the bedroom window below! This is our life!
Since we were in the heart of the forest, I chose to embark on my first trail run with my new trail running shoes! I opened the Garmin app and requested it to create a circular route of approximately 6 km through the forest, which it successfully did. After syncing with my watch, I waved goodbye to Sara and Archie and began my run...
That day, I learned an important lesson: always check the elevation profile before selecting your route. This one was challenging, with narrow, rugged paths winding through the trees.
And then, over the edge down the gorge to the river below. Great views, but what goes down needs to come back up again...
Eventually descended to the River Wye and the towpath alongside. Stunning views, and flat. However, my bliss was shattered when I had to go all the way back up! Not easy and lesson learned. Archie of course loved it.
Once I'd recovered, we took a short drive to Symonds Yat viewpoint (at the top of the gorge). The edge of the gorge is home to multiple birds of prey, of which we saw none. However, the views are stunning and it's worth a visit if you're in the area.
Views down to the River Wye (down where I was running the previous afternoon).
Ted, recovering still from his broken leg, was somewhat exhausted after our trip through the forest...
There are so many forest/woodlands areas to explore, all having good trails and many good adventure opportunities for children.
Trip to Chepstow Castle
Perched on the banks of the River Wye and nestled just inside the Welsh border, Chepstow is a town steeped in history and striking in its setting. Known as the gateway to Wales, this charming market town is dominated by Chepstow Castle, the oldest surviving stone castle in Britain. Its dramatic walls, clinging to the limestone cliffs above the river, set the tone for a place where stories echo through time.
Monmouth: A Historic Market Town with Royal Roots and Riverside Charm
Tucked where the Rivers Wye, Monnow, and Trothy converge, Monmouth is a picturesque market town that weaves together history, heritage, and a lively sense of place. Known as the birthplace of King Henry V, Monmouth wears its royal legacy with quiet pride. Its most iconic landmark, the Monnow Bridge, is the only remaining fortified river bridge in Britain with its gatehouse still standing—a striking reminder of the town’s medieval past.
Its Georgian and Victorian buildings house independent shops, family-run cafés, and a vibrant arts scene, including the Savoy Theatre, one of the oldest working theatres in Wales.
Ross-on-Wye: The Cradle of British Tourism with Timeless River Views
Perched high above a sweeping bend in the River Wye, Ross-on-Wye is a charming market town often credited as the birthplace of British tourism. In the 18th century, romantic travellers flocked here to cruise the river and admire its dramatic scenery—starting a trend that continues today. With its red sandstone church spire piercing the skyline and rows of black-and-white timbered buildings lining cobbled streets, Ross radiates historic charm.
The town’s heart beats around its Market House, where local traders and artisans still gather as they have for centuries. Ross also boasts a vibrant arts scene, riverside walks, antique shops, and plenty of cosy cafés and traditional pubs to linger in.
Hereford: A Cathedral City with Deep Roots and a Spirited Heart
Set amidst the rolling fields and apple orchards of the Wye Valley, Hereford is a historic cathedral city that balances rural charm with a strong sense of identity. At its core stands the magnificent Hereford Cathedral, home to the medieval Mappa Mundi—the largest known map of the world from the 13th century—and the chained library, a treasure trove for history lovers.
The surrounding countryside feeds into its culture, from artisan cider makers and farm-to-table eateries to the lively Old Market development, where shops, cafés, and street performers create a modern buzz alongside medieval streets. The River Wye flows gently through the city, offering peaceful riverside walks, and plenty of scenic picnic spots. It’s a place where old meets new, and where every cobbled corner tells a story.
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