A guide to the Forest of Dean from Clearwell
Ancient woodland, deep river valleys and the Welsh border, all within reach of the barn.
Puzzlewood
A small, strange piece of ancient woodland near Coleford, where paths, steps and wooden bridges wind through moss-covered rocks and deep gullies. The gullies are the remains of iron-ore workings that go back centuries, and the place has been used as a filming location for film and television. It is privately run and charges for entry, so check opening times before you go.
Symonds Yat
From Yat Rock, a viewpoint high above the River Wye, you look straight down on a great loop of the river as it bends through the gorge. It is one of the best-known views in the Wye Valley, and in season peregrine falcons nest on the cliffs nearby. Below, Symonds Yat East and West sit either side of the water.
Clearwell Caves
Right on the barn’s doorstep, Clearwell Caves are former iron mines worked for thousands of years. You can walk through a series of caverns, and the mine still produces ochre, the natural earth pigment. Opening is seasonal, so check before you visit.
The forest trails
Forestry England manages a network of waymarked walking and cycling routes through the forest’s oak and beech woodland, including a largely traffic-free cycle trail on old railway lines and graded mountain-bike trails. At Beechenhurst, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail sets artworks along a woodland walk. Forestry England’s website has maps and current information.
Tintern Abbey
The roofless ruins of a Cistercian abbey stand beside the Wye on the Welsh side of the valley. Founded in the twelfth century, the abbey inspired Wordsworth and Turner, and its tall Gothic windows still frame the wooded hills. It is looked after by Cadw, which publishes opening times and prices.
Monmouth
A market town just over the border in Wales, where the Monnow and the Wye meet. Its thirteenth-century Monnow Bridge is the only medieval fortified river bridge in Britain with its gate tower still standing on the bridge. Henry V was born in Monmouth, and the town centre has independent shops and cafés.
Ross-on-Wye
A hilltop market town above a bend in the Wye, with a red sandstone market hall at its centre and the Prospect gardens looking out over the river and the meadows below.
Canoeing on the Wye
The Wye is one of the best-known canoeing rivers in Britain, and local providers hire canoes and kayaks for half-day and full-day trips, often around Symonds Yat. River levels and conditions change, so book with a provider and follow their advice.
Pubs, restaurants and shops
The nearest pub or restaurant is 0.5 miles from the barn, and Coleford town centre, with its shops, is 2.5 miles away. Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye have a wider choice of restaurants for a night out.
Forest of Dean trails and cycling on Forestry England (opens in a new tab)
Live dates and prices through Holiday Cottages.