We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more

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  • Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Guided Walking

Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Guided Walking

■ Location: Gloucestershire

■ Duration: 4 nights

■ Board Basis: Full Board

■ Itineraries available: 1

■ Choice of Walking Grades: 4 & 6 details

■ Carbon Footprint: 81kg CO2 details

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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.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
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.
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Walking grades

From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.

Gentle walking grade 4

Gentle walking grade 4

The most active Gentle grade, with longer walks, some ascent, and possible steps, stiles, or off-path uneven ground. Typically, 6-7 miles (10-12km) with around 1,000ft (300m) of ascent.
Moderate walking grade 6

Moderate walking grade 6

Longer full day walks with more ascent and varied terrain. Good fitness and agility are needed. Typically, 9-10 miles (15-16km) with around 1,500ft (460m) of ascent.

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 

Itinerary

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.

Itinerary

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: 2,250 feet (680m)

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.

View all

Accommodation

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.
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  1. Credit Wearethewildweddings 5D4_0001 - Copy.jpg
  2. DSC_2061_2_3.jpg
  3. DSC_2707_8_9.jpg
  4. DSC_2542_3_4.jpg
  5. Strawberries & Lime • Strawberry Rum Cake • Meringue.jpeg
  6. Smokes Duck Breast ∙ Artichoke ∙ Pickled Gooseberries ∙Port and Blackcurrant Gel.jpeg
  7. DSC_2395_6_7.jpg
  8. CYFP.jpg

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.

Address

The Speech House Hotel
Coleford
Gloucestershire GL16 7EL

Tel: +44 (0)1594 822607

By train

The nearest railway station is in Lydney.  You may find more connections to Gloucester railway station which is situated on the main lines to Cardiff Central, Birmingham New Street and London Paddington, with connecting trains to all parts of the UK. For train times and route planning by train visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or phone +44 (0)3457 48 49 50.

By taxi

Alternatively, the 17-mile journey from Gloucester railway station takes approximately 30 minutes by taxi.

Sovereign Taxis
You can pre-book a taxi from our recommended taxi company, Sovereign Taxis. The 2024 guide price for a 4-seat taxi is around £60. 8-seat taxis are also available at a higher rate. Please pre-book your taxi at least seven days in advance by contacting:

Tel: +44 (0)1594 836757
Email: sovereigntaxis@live.co.uk

*Sovereign Taxis is not owned or managed by HF Holidays.

By bus

Stagecoach run a regular bus service from Gloucester Transport Hub, located next to the train station. Catch bus 24 from Bay H, towards Cinderford, and hop off at the Cannop, Speech House stop. The journey takes 1 hour.

More Information

Weather conditions in the UK can vary throughout the day, and conditions in the mountains may be cold and windy even in summer. Use the following list as a guide when preparing for your holiday.

Essentials  

  • Suitable waterproof walking boots with ankle support and good grip

  • Waterproof, wind-resistant jacket with a hood, taped seams and a hydrostatic head rating of at least 10,000 mm

  • Waterproof overtrousers  

  • Spare warm clothing, such as a synthetic insulated jacket

  • Comfortable walking clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  

  • Warm mid-layers, such as fleeces

  • Gloves and a warm hat, even in summer

  • Rucksack with a waterproof liner 

  • Water bottle with a capacity of at least 1 litre

  • Flask for hot drinks   

  • Sunscreen  

  • UV-protective sunglasses

  • Spare high-energy food

  • Head torch and spare batteries for holidays between October and March

  • Passport (if applicable)

  • Visa (if applicable) 

  • Copy of your travel insurance policy 

Recommended  

  • Several base layers, with long or short sleeves 

  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  

  • First-aid kit, including plasters, insect repellent, a midge net and a tick-removal tool

  • Sit mat   

  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  

  • Rubbish bags

  • Wallet or purse

  • Camera

  • Walking poles

  • Sun hat

  • Gaiters

  • Mobile Phones

  • Swimwear (please see accommodation information for hotel facilities)

  • Membership cards for English Heritage, the National Trust or similar heritage organisations in Scotland and Wales, if you are a member. These may be useful when visiting attractions during your itinerary or on your free day.

Walks may be changed for safety reasons and are subject to a maximum and minimum number of guests.

Leaders always consider the safety of the group as a whole, and may need to alter or curtail the walk if the conditions dictate. Your leader may refuse to accept a guest where clothing, equipment or behaviour is unsuitable. In the event of a problem all leaders carry a mobile phone, first aid kit, group shelter, spare maps and a compass.

Please note: If you choose to leave the group your leader is no longer responsible for you.

If you have a particular health condition or disability please put this on your guest registration form. This information will be confidential to your leaders and the house manager, but leaders do need to take account of any issues when planning walks. Please carry a copy of these trip notes with you, or note down the contact phone number for your accommodation (details in the travel section) should you need them in case of emergency.

Carbon Footprint - 81kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

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Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Guided Walking

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. Read more about membership
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Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

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Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

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Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent, group and self-guided bookings).

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Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

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Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

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