Walking, Hiking and Cycling
The location is perfect for walking, hiking and cycling holidays. And there are plenty of walks and rides to choose from.
With direct access to scenic footpaths, woodland trails, and some of the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean’s most loved routes, you can step out and start exploring almost immediately. From gentle family-friendly walks to more adventurous hikes with breathtaking viewpoints, there’s something for every age and ability nearby.
It’s a cyclist’s dream too. Long wooded rides through the Forest of Dean, country roads round and through the forest, and – if this is your kind of thing – strenuous hill climbs up from the Wye Valley.
What Maps are Best?
To see all the local paths, tracks, roads and rights of way, the best maps are from the Ordnance Survey.
OS Paper Maps
The local maps are:
- OS Explorer (1:25,000) OL14: Wye Valley & Forest of Dean. Best for walking and local cycling.
- OS Landranger (1:50,000) 162: Gloucester & Forest of Dean. Best for driving and long distance cycling.
The maps are available from shops and cost around £13 each. Mobile downloads are included in the price.
OS Digital Maps
As an alternative to buying paper maps, you can purchase online access to OS Maps to view all their maps online, including the local ones. You can also download and save them for offline use in case you don’t get signal when you’re out and about, and the maps allow route plotting to create your own walking and cycling routes to follow. Available for browsers, iOS and Android.
At the time of writing (March 2026), prices range from about £7 to about £40, depending on how long you want access for (a month or a year) and whether you just want access or a renewable subscription.
Google, Bing and Apple Maps
Google, Bing and Apple Maps are great for planning car journeys and longer bike rides on roads, and for seeing what’s in the area, but not so good for footpaths, tracks and rights of way. For the full experience, here’s a link centered on St Briavels (opens in separate window):
Or, for a quick look around, here’s a snippet of Google Maps for the Wye Valley and Forest of Dean:
In Particular…
A few specific local walking and cycling routes – or collections of them – are worth a mention.
Offa’s Dyke Path
Treetops is close to Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail. If you go to the Offa’s Dyke Path Map and Information page and zoom in on the interactive map to St Briavels, between Brockweir and Bigsweir Bridge you’ll see a rare instance of the Offa’s Dyke Path taking alternative routes. One is along the east bank of the River Wye, and the other comes north from Brockweir across St Briavels Common and then descends to join the river route. The route across St Briavels Common is closer to Treetops, and offers an entry point to a well marked, if sometimes challenging, walk through gorgeous countryside. How about a circular walk taking in both local branches of Offa’s Dyke Path? It’s about 8 miles, takes around 4 hours, and has a total ascent of about 1,150 ft.
Wye Valley National Landscape
Treetops is within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is the Wye Valley National Landscape. This offers a wealth of walking routes, including The Wye Valley Walk. The local section is Monmouth to Tintern, and the interactive map on that page is particularly useful. The Wye Valley Walk is mostly on the west bank of the River Wye. It can be incorporated in an alternative circular route with Offa’s Dyke Path (see above). The main contraint is crossing the Wye, which between Chepstow and Monmouth can only be done at Tintern (footbridge only), Brockweir, Bigsweir and Redbrook (footbridge only).
This is far from being the only walk in the Wye Valley National Landscape. If you’re looking for inspiration, there’s quite a collection at the Wye Valley National Landscape’s Download Walk Leaflets page. Not all of them are local, but the Redbrook Walk is between Redbrook (towards Monmouth) and Slip Wood/Cadora Woods (OS: SO 54339 05510), where there is parking, down the hill from St Briavels near Bigsweir Bridge.
Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tourism Walks and Rides
Up on the plateau to the east of the Wye and the west of the Severn, among the many activities on offer in the Forest of Dean are plenty of walks and rides. You can see summaries of them on the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley Tourism website:
Some of the walks and rides are along old railway trackbeds of the forest and rarely come across a road.
The tourism authority have also put together a collection of twelve easy walks – none of them longer than three miles. Everyone can enjoy them: just because they’re easy doesn’t mean that they’re not worth doing!
After the Walk or Ride
After a day on the trails, return to a comfortable, welcoming home where everyone can relax, recharge, and feel at ease. The peaceful setting also makes this an ideal choice for families wanting a break from screens and schedules, while still having space and convenience.
Whether you’re planning a family countryside escape, a school-holiday adventure, or a walking holiday in one of the UK’s most beautiful regions, this Wye Valley retreat offers space, comfort, and an unforgettable setting.
Create lasting memories, explore nature together, and enjoy a truly relaxing family and hiking or biking getaway.
If walking or cycling isn’t your thing, there are plenty of other things to do – some under cover in case the weather’s not too good
Local Attractions
The driving times given here are optimal, and don’t take into account traffic, occasional road works or road closures or any of other perils of driving.
Puzzlewood
8 mins by car.
Experience Puzzlewood’s twisted trees and moss covered rocks, creating an otherworldly woodland that is quite unlike any other. The mile and a half of paths take you up and down steps, through mossy gorges and over wooden bridges to scenic lookouts.
A unique and ancient woodland in the heart of the Forest of Dean, Puzzlewood is a rare temperate rainforest and a popular filming location, which has featured in Star Wars, Doctor Who and many more
Puzzlewood, Perrygrove Road, Coleford, GL16 8QB
01594 833187
Perrygrove Railway Adventure
9 mins by car.
Just along the road from Puzzlewood is Perrygrove Railway Adventure. Perrygrove Railway is a 15 in gauge railway running through woods and meadows. A full return journey takes around 30 minutes, with the freedom to hop on and off at four stations along the way. With indoor and outdoor play areas, woodland walks, and space to roam, Perrygrove is packed with fun for curious kids and their grown-ups.
Perrygrove Railway Adventure, Coleford, Gloucestershire GL16 8QB
01594 834991
Clearwell Caves
9 mins by car.
Ancient iron mines with nine awesome caverns, full of exciting things for you to discover. All you need are a pair of sensible shoes and a sense of wonder to explore. The trips are self guided, descending 100ft down. A visit normally takes between 45 minutes and an hour underground, although many take longer (allow at least 2 hrs onsite). They have a café, shop and walks on the surface.
Clearwell Caves, Ancient Iron Mines, Nr Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 8JR
01594 832535
Tintern Abbey
14 mins by car.
This magnificent ruined medieval abbey on the south of the village of Tintern is justly famous. Founded in 1131 by Walter de Clare, Lord of Chepstow, it was the first Cistercian foundation in Wales, and the second in Britain (after Waverley Abbey, near Farnham in Surrey).
Tintern Abbey fell into ruin after the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century and was celebrated in poetry and painting from the 18th century onwards.
O sylvan Wye! thou wanderer thro’ the woods,
How often has my spirit turned to thee!
William Wordsworth
‘Lines Composed a Few Miles above Tintern Abbey’
1798
Tintern Abbey is now looked after by Cadw.
Tintern Abbey, Tintern, NP16 6SE
03000 252239
Hopewell Colliery
14 mins by car.
Museum and mine. Celebrating the past, present and future of this unique way of life in the Forest of Dean: at Hopewell Colliery you can take one of the guided underground tours in the safe hands of an expert Freeminer of the Forest of Dean
Or enjoy a cup of tea, coffee or soft drink, ice cream or snack in the museum, café and gift shop. You may even witness carts of freshly dug coal being brought to the surface at the entrance to the working mine.
Closed in the winter months. Check website for details.
Hopewell Colliery, Cannop Hill, Speech House Road, Coleford, Glos, GL16 7EL
01594 810706
Dean Forest Railway
15 mins by car.
Founded by the Dean Forest Railway Society in 1970, the Dean Forest Railway runs along part of the old Severn & Wye Railway lines, which were first built as a tramroad over 200 years ago.
The current railway line is standard gauge, approximately 4 1/2 miles long, running from Lydney Junction Station — close to the mainline railway station and a short walk from the harbour — at the south end of the line to Parkend, a small forest village at the north end of the line. The main station of the railway is located at Norchard, on Forest Road, in the middle of the line, where you will find a large, free car park and the shop, museum and café.
Closed in the winter months. Certain days only. Check website for details.
Dean Forest Railway, Norchard Station, Forest Road, Lydney, Glos. GL15 4ET
01594 845840
Lydney Park Spring Gardens (limited opening)
15 mins by car.
Lydney Park Gardens: a family day out for the springtime, with a woodland garden, deer park for picnics, Roman ruins, and museums, including the New Zealand Museum. Groups and Guided Tours are available by prior arrangement. Dogs may be taken around the garden on a lead.
The Lydney Park woodland garden is full of colourful azaleas, rhododendrons, corylopsis and pieris as well as magnolias, acers and cornus. Flowering cherries, magnolias, scented spring flowering shrubs and drifts of spring bulbs provide an entrance.
Lydney Park is open to the public in the spring and on selected days as part of the National Garden Scheme (Yellow Book). Check website for details.
Lydney Park Estate, Old Park, Aylburton, Gloucestershire GL15 6BU
01594 842844
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
16 mins by car.
The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail offers over four miles of sculptures at Beechenhurst, in the heart of England’s ancient woodland. For nearly 40 years, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust (FODST) and Forestry England have provided a home to artworks by some of the world’s leading artists.
On the trail, which is free to access and open daily (you will need to pay for parking), visitors will encounter iconic highlights from early phases of the trail, including Cathedral by Kevin Atherton and sculptures by Peter Randall-Page and Cornelia Parker, alongside more recent artworks by Natasha Rosling, Kristina Veasey and Julian Wild.
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail, Beechenhurst, Speech House Road, Coleford, GL16 7EL
Go Ape – Forest of Dean, Beechenhurst
16 mins by car.
This is one of two Go Ape locations in the forest; the other is at Mallards Pike, below.
Go Ape Beechenhurst is home to two high ropes courses, entry-level and mid-level, which are perfect for younger adventurers or those looking to build their confidence before our more challenging courses.
Go Ape Beechenhurst, Speech House Road, Coleford, GL16 7EL
01603 895500
Go Ape – Forest of Dean, Mallards Pike
18 mins by car.
This is one of two Go Ape locations in the forest; the other is at Beechenhurst, above.
Go Ape Mallards Pike is the place for high adrenaline adventures:
Our Treetop Challenge high ropes are definitely one for the bold and brave with two thrilling Tarzan Swings and over quarter of a mile’s worth of zip wires. Our all-terrain electric Segways let you wind your way along beautiful forest trails for a day that’s the perfect balance of fun.
Go Ape Mallards Pike, Parkend, Lydney GL15 4HD
01603 895500
Chepstow
19 mins by car.
The lively town of Chepstow combines the ancient and the modern. A major medieval powerhouse, its Norman castle is built at a strategic point overlooking the River Wye. Many things to see and do:
- Chepstow Castle
- High Street Shopping, including
- Cafés, pubs and restaurants
- Chepstow Museum
- Chepstow Port Wall
- The Old Wye Bridge: Grade I listed regency cast-iron road bridge over the River Wye, which here has one of the world’s largest tidal ranges
- St Mary’s Priory Church
- Chepstow Racecourse
Chepstow, Monmouthshire
Monmouth
19 mins by car.
Attractive border town with a history dating back over 2,000 years to the Roman occupation. A stroll through the main streets reveals the full range of Monmouth’s architectural delights; pretty courtyards and cobbled streets are home to independent cafés and shops, with Monnow Street hosting a good mix of high-street favourites and boutique businesses.
- Monnow Bridge, built in the 13th century, is the only remaining fortified river bridge in the UK
- The Shire Hall and Museum (closed for refurbishment in 2026)
- Shopping in Monnow Street, Church Street and others, including
- Cafés, pubs and restaurants
- Monmouth Castle and Regimental Museum
Monmouth, Monmouthshire