100 of St Briavels walks – Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tour Guides

Posts tagged with 100 of St Briavels walks

Middle Earth, horses, camels and llamas

Posted on May 18, 2011 by Forest GuideComments are off

The horse could not manage the stile

A small but energetic group journeyed to middle earth as part of the St. Briavel’s 100 walking challenge. We wandered through the Devil’s Chapel scowles that apparently inspired JRR Tolkein’s imagination in the Lord of the Rings series. As we wandered through the Lydney Park Estate and Rodmore Grove to Clanna we enjoyed views of the Severn. We faced up to inquisitive horses, determined to block our path. The llamas and the camel were more co-operative.

If you want to sign up for more walks, see http://www.ftg.org.uk/SB100/products.php

Is this the pond where Harry Potter found the Sword of Gryffindor? Who knows.

Tags: 100 of St Briavels walks

Daffodils and Poets

Posted on March 27, 2011 by Forest GuideComments are off

Did they wander lonely as a cloud? No, they certainly did not. They strode purposefully as a dedicated group of hikers over vales and hills. And, yes, they saw a host of golden daffodils.

The St. Briavels 100 walk challenge started again on March 13. The walk was scheduled to coincide with the beginning of daffodil season in an area that used to be renowned for its commercially grown flowers. Even the local railway line was known as the “Daffodil Line”, so important was this to the area. But that’s not all. The charming village of Dymock is also know in literary circles for the famous group of poets who settled there before World War I. They must have been inspired by Wordsworth!

Tags: 100 of St Briavels walks

Forest of Dean Freewalkers

Posted on January 29, 2011 by Forest GuideComments are off

Six intrepid walkers – five human and one canine – have successfully completed a challenging series of walks known as the 100 St. Briavels walks.

During 2010 the walkers met at 10 different locations to complete 10 walks, ranging in length from 8 – 16 miles. The walks covered areas displaying some of the best views and little known attractions in and around the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, from daffodils in Dymock to lime kilns in Lydbrook.

The 100 of St Briavels walks are the brainchild of David Ballard, one of the tour guides. Dave has designed an innovative series of walks that provide participants with a goal and a chance to explore the wonders and hidden treasures of the area. Those who complete the walks are given an exclusive badge and the title “Freewalker”.

The successful walkers, including Paddy the jolly collie, attended an event at Speech house where they were presented with certificates and badges by Donald Johns, a Forest of Dean Freeminer.

The walks are starting up again on Sunday, 13 March at Dymock, home of the famous World War I poets. Come join us and try it out. Click the ’100 of St Briavels Walks’ link on the left.

Tags: 100 of St Briavels walks

Journey to Middle Earth

Posted on September 23, 2010 by milo_of_flaxleyComments are off

Near Clanna on the Journey to Middle Earth. Water was an important source of power in our area, powering mills such as paper mills, flour mills and fulling mills. Water powered bellows also provided the blast of air required to operate early iron furnaces efficiently.

Spring Bluebells - photo by Pam Singer

Spring Bluebells are a perennial feature of the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley woodlands. They bloom before the leaf canopy develops enough to restrict the amount of light reaching the forest floor.

Tags: 100 of St Briavels walks