Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
OUT AND ABOUT
The Forest of Dean is a relatively unknown treasure – an area of great natural beauty situated between two majestic rivers, the Severn and the Wye. Tucked against the Welsh border, but not "on the way" to anywhere, it has developed a down-to-earth independent character all of its own.
An inspiration for writers and artists (Dennis Potter, J K Rowling, J R R Tolkien), the Forest has a rich industrial history based around coal and iron ore mining. But for those visitors who have discovered its charms, it is first and foremost a wonderful natural playground, where you can walk for miles, mess about on water, cycle on the many Forest bike trails or enjoy a host of other activities and attractions.
Saltbox Escapes is located in the friendly village of English Bicknor, with the Forest to the east and the Wye Valley to the west. We are a mile and a half's walk from Symonds Yat Rock, an extraordinary natural viewpoint (above). The towns of Coleford, Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye are less than twenty minutes drive away, with plenty of restaurants, shops and pubs.
WHAT'S NEARBY?
Attractions
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1½ mile walk to Symonds Yat Rock and River Wye (or 5–10 min drive).
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Plenty of other beautiful local walks through countryside and forest.
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Forest of Dean Family Cycle Trail (bike & e-bike hire available).
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Mountain bike trails for riders of all abilities.
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Local pottery classes for all abilities at the friendly Hot Pot Pottery just a short stroll away.
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Mallards Pike - local beauty spot with Go Ape high wire course.
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One day and half-day canoe trips from Symonds Yat East.
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Darkhill Iron Works - secret experiments in steelmaking & other industrial heritage sites.
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Clearwell Caves - a vast natural cave system that has been mined for 4,500 years.
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Puzzlewood - spectacular ancient woodland and a film location for Star Wars, Dr Who & others.
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Hopewell Colliery - guided underground tours of a real coal mine.
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Dean Heritage Centre - a unique insight into local history (and a Gruffalo trail!)
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Specialist sports - climbing, potholing, gorge walking and much more.
Eating & Drinking
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1¼ miles to nearest pubs (Dog & Muffler, New Inn). Food served, dogs welcome.
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Local produce from farm shops & delis as well as shops & restaurants in Coleford, Ross and Monmouth.
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Fine dining: Whitebrook, The Walnut Tree, Tudor Farmhouse, Severn & Wye Smokery & more
Amenities
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The Dairy - local off-licence and convenience store. (5 min drive, 7am–9pm 7 days a week).
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Regular buses from English Bicknor to local towns.
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Supermarkets: Waitrose (Monmouth), Co-op/Lidl (Coleford), Sainsburys/Morrisons (Ross).
