By Meagan on 19th May

You don’t have to wait until the next walking festival to enjoy the outdoors. And where better to walk than one of the UK’s leading walking destinations: the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley?

Not to mention, there are three major walking festivals throughout the year:

 

Walking is not only healthy, but it’s a great way to experience the beautiful scenery that surrounds you every day. Below are eight awesome walking routes for this May.

© Wye Dean Tourism

© Wye Dean Tourism

GOODRICH CASTLE LOOP

Where (from and to): Goodrich Castle

How far: 8 miles (13 kms); Height Gain 95m; Approximate Time 3.5 Hours

What to see/do along the way: Two of the Forest’s best known features come together on this walk through a spectacular section of the Wye Valley Gorge

Difficulty level: Easy, fields, paths, tracks and quiet lanes

Why it’s special: Great views of the River Wye and Goodrich Castle.  Plenty of places to eat and drink post walk

 

ST. BRIAVELS AND HEWESFIELD

Where (from and to): St Briavels

How far: 8 miles (13 kms); Height Gain 295m; Approximate Time 4 hours

What to see/do along the way: St Briavels Castle and the  picturesque hamlet of Hewesfield all feature in this extended circuit of St. Briavels

Difficulty level: Moderate, old tracks, field paths and quiet lanes

Why it’s special: Medieval churches, a castle and Offa’s Dyke.

 

CHEPSTOW & LANCAUT

Where (from and to): Chepstow

How far: 4.5 miles (7.2 Kms); Height Gain 255m; Approximate Time 2.5 hours

What to see/do along the way: Chepstow Castle, Wintour’s Leap,

Difficulty level: Moderate, field paths, quiet lanes and a short scramble across boulders

Why it’s special: Chepstow was one of the first castles built after the Norman invasion.  From Chepstow you venture along the River Wye to the ruins of St James Church

SYMONDS YAT & HIGHMEADOW WOODS

Where (from and to): Symonds Yat

How far: 9.5 miles (14.5 kms); Height Gain 465m; Approximate Time 4.5 hours

What to see/do along the way: the view from Symonds Yat; Remains of ancient hill fort & settlement

Difficulty level: Hard, woodland tracks and paths

Why it’s special: So much to see, ranging from the Symonds Yat View Point, to massive 14,000 ton boulders, reputed to be the largest in Britain

© Wye Dean Tourism

© Wye Dean Tourism

TINTERN ABBEY & THE DEVIL’S PULPIT

Where (from and to): Tintern Abbey

How far: 6 miles (9.7 kms); Height Gain 300m; Approximate Time 3 hours

What to see/do along the way: Tintern Abbey, great woodland walk, Devil’s Pulpit Viewpoint

Difficulty level: Moderate, woodland paths and tracks

Why it’s special: The walk starts at one of the most impressive ruined abbeys in the country, a great viewpoint and a fantastic section of Offa’s Dyke Path

How about this alternative from Way 2 Go Adventures?

 

© Wye Dean Toursim

© Wye Dean Toursim

NORDIC

How far: 4 x 1hr or 2 x 2hr sessions for

What to see/do along the way: Various views

Difficulty level:   Easy – medium

Why it’s special:   Nordic Walking taster or technique course with Way2Go Adventures. Nordic Walking is a fast growing outdoor fitness activity, if using the correct technique using poles to propel you along it give you an all over body workout, less impact on joints, as well as having a fitness element it is also a social activity and a great way of meeting new people while enjoying the outdoors.

 

MAISEMORE CIRCULAR WALK

How Far: 5 miles

What to see/do along the way: Various amazing views

Difficulty level: Easy

Why it’s special: We overlook large trees with birds of prey nesting and flying around – you actually look down onto the birds flying. There is also a deer farm and you can see stags and does and their young.

MAY HILL WALK

How far: 5 miles

What to see/do along the way: Spectacular views

Difficulty level: Easy

Why it’s special: The view is spectacular. Then we walk up to the top of May Hill to the 100 trees which were planted honour of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee. You can see seven counties in England and Wales from the top and the River Wye can be followed for quite a way.

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