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.
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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.
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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?
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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).
