How to get here
From South Wales leave the M48 at Chepstow (Junction 2) or leave the A40 at Monmouth
From London leave the M4 at Junction 21 and take the M48. Cross the rivers Severn and Wye on the "old" Severn Bridge then take the Chepstow exit immediately after the bridge (Junction 2)
From the North leave the M5 at Gloucester and follow signs to Ross-on-Wye.
OR
Take the M50 to Ross-on-Wye.
Above the Wye Valley
Our Location
We provide guides for tours, talks and walks through the Forest of Dean and the Lower Wye Valley. This covers west Gloucestershire and parts of Monmouthshire and Herefordshire. The area is mainly rural and has a variety of different scenery including forests, steep river valleys and good agricultural land. There are no large towns but there are delightful historic market towns offering traditional shopping.
The eastern bound follows the River Severn from Gloucester in the North to Chepstow in the South. There are splendid river walks and views and in spring and autumn the Severn Bore tidal surge. The western edge of our area follows the River Wye as it meanders from Hereford through Ross-on-Wye, Symonds Yat, Monmouth and Tintern before joining the Severn at Chepstow. The whole of this part of the Wye Valley is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Between these two rivers is the Forest of Dean. The central part is 35 square miles of mixed deciduous and coniferous woodlands with a rich flora and fauna including deer and wild boar. The main communities of Coleford, Lydney and Cinderford lie around the edge, leaving the central part of the Forest sparsely populated. The Forest has a rich heritage as a former Royal hunting ground and an industrial past based on iron and coal mining. The sites of the former mines, quarries and railways are today places of recreation for walking, cycling, natural history and just enjoying the marvelous scenery.
The Forest of Dean District is much larger than the central woodlands and stretches north through gently rolling hills and pastures to Newent and Dymock, an area famous for poets, daffodils, vineyards, cider and fine cheeses.
Driving tips
Please drive carefully in the Forest of Dean. 'The Forest' as we call it locally, is home to flocks of free-roaming sheep. The sheep can be found anywhere and everywhere and have no road-sense, so please drive carefully at all times. Be especially careful when you see sheep at both sides of the road as they can cross the road without warning.
Between dusk and dawn you may encounter wild deer in your headlights, if you see one cross the road, please slow down- there may be more following.