Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tour Guides

100 of St Briavels Walks

Become a Freewalker of the Forest of Dean

Participate in our programme in which you earn 'miles' towards becoming a 'Freewalker of the Forest of Dean'. At the end of each qualifying walk our guide will sign your '100 of St. Briavels' membership card. The guide will also enter your walk into our on-line recording system. When you have completed the 100 miles we will award you with a badge to confirm that you have completed 100 miles of '100 of St. Briavels' walks and are now a 'Freewalker of the Forest of Dean'*.


Click here to see the 100 of St Briavels walks

100 of St Briavels program

  • A series of walks each about 10 miles long.
  • Each walk is led by one of our guides.
  • Most walks take place on the first Sunday of the month. Walks can be completed in any order.
  • A rolling programme of walks throughout the year. If you miss one walk, book an alternative.
  • One-off Registration Fee, but non-registered walkers can also participate in these walks.
  • Register when you sign up for your first qualifying walk.
  • Registrants receive a Membership Card/Log Book.
  • Registrants get priority if a walk is over-booked.
  • View your progress on-line.
  • 'Forest Freewalker' badge awarded when 100 miles have been completed.

Freeminers and 'Freewalkers'

The 'Freewalker of the Forest of Dean' program is based on the ancient tradition of Freeminers in the Forest of Dean. Below you can compare the qualification criteria for both:

Freeminer of the Forest of Dean 'Freewalker' of the Forest of Dean
Must be born within the 100 of St. Briavels. Can be born anywhere.
Must have attained the age of 21 years. Must be aged 8 years or over.
Must have worked for a year and a day in a mine or quarry in the Forest of Dean. Must be registered for the '100 of St Briavels' program and have completed 100 miles within the program.
Must be a male. Anyone who completes the 100 miles can become a Freewalker.

* Becoming a 'Freewalker of the Forest of Dean' does NOT grant you any special privileges when it comes to where and when you may walk in the Forest of Dean.