Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Guided Walking
Considered one of the most unspoilt river valleys in Britain, the postcard-pretty Wye Valley is home to ancient woodlands, meandering rivers, limestone gorges, and a vast array of wildlife including otters, kingfishers, and peregrine. You’ll also be charmed by world-class sculptures, art installations, and much more in the Forest of Dean – a place of timeless beauty nestled in Gloucestershire’s westerly corner, close to England’s border with Wales.
What you’ll love
- The choice of two walks a day – one easier, one harder
- Soaking up views of Tintern Abbey and the River Wye from the Devil's Pulpit
- Exploring the heart of an ancient medieval forest
- Spotting peregrine falcons and plenty of other wildlife
- Savouring picturesque views of the Wye Valley from Symonds Yat Rock
- Discovering the Seven Sisters Rocks and visiting King Arthur’s Caves
What’s included
- Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation(s)
- Cooked or continental breakfast every morning
- Daily packed lunches
- Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee
- Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader
- All transport to and from walks where necessary
Trip Notes
Easy to download as a PDF, our trip notes provide detailed information for every holiday. Please click below to find the trip notes for your departure date.
All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.
You're welcome to check in at The Speech House Hotel from 2pm onwards. An unmissable historic building set in the centre of the forest, it will be our base for the next few days. Your HF Holidays Leaders will be on hand from 6:30pm, when we’ll gather to give you a warm welcome and explain the plan of action before dinner.
Explore the area around Tintern Abbey, one of the great monastic ruins in Wales, and discover Offa's Dyke.
Option 1 - Tintern and the Devil's Pulpit
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Total ascent: 1,050 feet (320m)
In summary: Starting at Tintern we follow the western bank of the River Wye, before crossing over to Brockweir. We head uphill to join the Offa’s Dyke footpath which takes us to our highlight of the walk, the Devil’s Pulpit. Here we’re rewarded with stunning views of Tintern Abbey and the beautiful Wye Valley below. We descend very steeply through woodland, on rocky paths back to the village, where there is plenty of time to visit the abbey, considered to be one of the greatest ruins in Wales.
Highlight: Discover the local myth of the Devil's Pulpit, a superb rocky viewpoint that overlooks the village of Tintern and its famous Abbey.
Option 2 - Tintern, Brockweir and the Devil's Pulpit
Distance: 8.5 miles (13.5km)
Total ascent: 1,650 feet (500m)
In summary: We’ll first head north from Tintern to explore the village of Brockweir before following the Offa’s Dyke footpath south to reach the Devil’s Pulpit. Here we’re rewarded with stunning views of Tintern Abbey and the beautiful Wye Valley below. We’ll continue our journey alongside the great earthwork boundary dyke built by King Offa. We’ll descend through woodland and return along the eastern bank of the River Wye.
Highlight: Spectacular views from the Devil's Pulpit and a chance to walk beside the great earthwork boundary dyke, built by King Offa.
Walk in ancient woodland, see world class sculpture, and uncover history in the Forest of Dean.
Option 1 - Sculpture Trail
Distance: 5.5 miles (9km)
Total ascent: 550 feet (180m)
In summary: We’ll set off on an inspiring walk around the forest, discovering sculptures and art installations along the way. The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust is a registered charity, providing a home for works by some of the world’s leading artists for over 40 years.
Highlight: Explore the unique collection of world-class, contemporary sculpture in the heart of the forest.
Option 2 - New Fancy and Nagshead
Distance: 11 miles (17.5km)
Total ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)
In summary: We’ll discover the very best of this ancient forest and explore how it has changed through the centuries. Our walk takes in favourite sites such as Cannop Ponds - an excellent place to spot waterbirds - and Nagshead Nature Reserve for more wildlife-spotting opportunities. As we wind our way through the forest paths, we’ll also uncover the hidden remains of industry.
Highlight: See the very best of this wild and ancient forest.
Explore the River Wye and soak up the views from Symonds Yat Rock.
Option 1 - Symonds Yat
Distance: 7 miles (11.5km)
Total ascent: 1,550ft (480m)
In summary: Enjoy breathtaking views from Symonds Yat Rock, then descend to the riverside where we’ll follow a delightful stretch of the Wye Valley walk. Then ascending through ancient broadleaved woodland, rich in interesting flora and fauna, we’ll circuit back to the viewpoint.
Highlight: Keep a watchful eye out for Peregrine Falcons and enjoy iconic views of the Wye Valley from Symonds Yat Rock.
Option 2 - Symonds Yat, Seven Sisters Rocks and King Arthur's Cave
Distance: 10 miles (16km)
Total ascent: 2,350 feet (720m)
In summary: After a short stroll through woodland, we’ll reach Symonds Yat Rock. Here we’ll pause to take in the views before descending to the River Wye where we’ll catch the historic hand-pulled ferry across to the opposite side. We’ll make our way to the Seven Sisters Rocks then visit the legendary King Arthur’s Cave. From here we re-join the riverside and cross back over using Biblins suspension bridge. We return through wooded hills via Staunton to complete a circular route.
Highlight: Take in the views from Symonds Yat Rock, explore the Seven Sisters Rocks, and visit the legendary King Arthur’s Caves.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before check-out at 10:30am.
The Speech House Hotel
In the heart of the Forest of Dean, just 5 miles from the Wye Valley, The Speech House Hotel combines original charm with modern comfort. Independently owned and family run, this former 17th-century hunting lodge has 35 stylishly decorated en-suite rooms across the main house and the courtyard. Due to the hotel’s rural location, the quality of mobile phone reception can vary. However, the hotel is well-equipped with free Wi-Fi throughout. Free onsite private parking is also available with two electric car charging points. To top it all, the AA Rosette-winning restaurant serves delicious meals using quality local produce wherever possible. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.
Food & drink
Your stay is full-board. This includes daily breakfasts, packed lunch options, and evening meals.
Packed lunches
Packed lunches provided by our partner hotels may be too much food for some and not enough for others. As a minimum, they will include a bread sandwich or roll with a choice of filling, fresh fruit, crisps, and a biscuit/flapjack or piece of cake. If you feel you might need more food during the walk, please bring a supply of snacks to supplement this.
Dietary requirements
Our partner hotels can cater for most dietary requirements, but it is important you advise us of any allergies and dietary restrictions you have at the time of booking.
Getting to The Speech House Hotel
Find out more about this location including travel details and room types.
More InformationEssential information
The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next. To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.
Essentials
- Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip
- Waterproof and windproof jacket
- Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)
- Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
- Waterproof overtrousers
- Gloves and a warm hat
- Rucksack with waterproof liner
- Flask for hot drinks
- Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)
- Sunscreen
- UV sunglasses
Recommended
- Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)
- Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters
- First aid kit, including plasters and insect repellent
- Sit mat
- Waterproof pouch for valuables
- Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)
- Wallet/purse
- Camera
- First-aid kit
Guest reviews
All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.
Non-member fee: £30 per person.
Holiday prices
| Date (Start - End) | Itinerary | Double / Twin Room | Single Room | Notes / Offers | Trip Notes | Book | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | ||||||||
|
16 Sep - 20 Sep 2024 4 nights |
Itinerary
Single Call to Enquire
Double Call to Enquire
|
Call to Enquire | Call to Enquire |
Trip Notes
|
||||
| 2025 | ||||||||
|
19 May - 23 May 2025 4 nights |
Itinerary Single from £979 Double from £799 pp |
from £799 pp |
from £979 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
|
29 Sep - 03 Oct 2025 4 nights |
Itinerary Single from £979 Double from £799 pp |
from £799 pp |
from £979 |
Trip Notes
|
Book Now | |||
81Kg of CO₂e
Average carbon footprint per person Learn More
