6th May 2017 Lydney Deer Park

Today is a good lesson in double checking you've not actually been somewhere before. It's easy when planning a route to cross a path you've already covered before. It's not always a bad thing but it's certainly nicer to cover as much new ground as possible. Thankfully a quick diversion meant we weren't on the same route for long and ended up being a much nicer walk than I had anticipated.

A sea of bluebells to frame these two lovelies.

We started from Lydney town parked up neat to Tesco. The path heads up towards the grounds of Lydney park woods. We walked past a field of very curious young bullocks who seemed intent on playing with Chuck. He seemed more intent on barking at them. Both parties seemed to be fairly satisfied with this outcome. As we hit the woods this is where I realised we had taken this path before.

A burst of colour appeared from between the trees.

A quick detour past a house in the wood and we entered a beautifully manicured garden which I had neither seen nor heard of before. 

Some Japanese influenced horticulture.

A small stream fed a series of ponds surrounded by large floral bushes and trees. Out the back this led into a deer park in which was a fabled White Hart. Apparently an extremely rare beast. 

This garden is a real hidden gem.

Following the path we saw a large stately home up on the hill which must be the house of the grounds. The whole park was left very natural and was simply a lovely place to be surrounded by deer.

The deer didn't stick around once Chuck appeared.

As we came to the end of the path we went through a gate which took us into The Taurus Arts and Crafts center in Aylburton. On the other side of the gate in large letters were the words 'No Entry'. Oh well. It certainly didn't say that on any of the other fences the way we came. The Taurus center contained some arts and crafts shops, wool, chocolate, incense and art stuff. It also had a rather nice farm shop. We didn't stop long because we had a rendezvous with The George Inn in Aylburton.

The grounds to the house are private we found out upon leaving them.

This was a charming little place. Don't expect quick service. The lady serving was half deaf as were here very elderly locals. But we're patient people and enjoyed the banter between staff and customers. They were also fairly busy serving lunches in the other room. Prices were very reasonable and the cider was nice and crisp. This was a nice end to walk that hadn't gone quite as planned but probably ended up being better by discovering a new place. Thoroughly enjoyable walk.


#Lydney #Lydneydeerpark #theforestofdean #deerpark #countryhouse #countrygardens #theworldonyourdoorstep

4th Februrary 2017 Bream and Whitecroft

Today is a cracking little two pub walk from just outside Lydney. It takes in the southern edge of the Forest of Dean, with pub stops in Bream and Whitecroft. What's fascinating about living on the river Wye is being able to see how differently each side of the valley is. Wales truly has a very different identity to the Gloucestershire side.

What have you seen Daddy?

As you all probably know I'm a big fan of free parking. We found a two car lay-by just north of Lydney on the B4231. The walk starts about 100m down the road. Lydney park woods abuts the Forest of Dean to the south. It has some incredible trees and rock formations in it. A truly hidden gem. It's definitely worth exploring thoroughly rather than just wondering through it. We made quite a big loop around the woods and I'm glad we did. It's fascinating how the trees have carved out the landscape. There's some really interesting rock formations as you can see below.

Light through the trees. Filter by Instagram because I'm lazy.

After a brief trip across some fields being watched by some inquisitive horses we reached Bream. This is a typical forest town. Quiet, laid back locals and sheep just wandering about minding their own business. The Rising Sun pub is perched on a hill next to a war memorial overlooking the lower Forest of Dean. It's populated by friendly locals who are happy to chat. Obviously Chuck was a minor star as usual. Drinks were reasonable. We didn't have any food but there was a separate dining area.

Trees growing out of the rocks. Weird.

We left Bream down a steep hill towards Whitecroft. The next pub was very different. Set in acres of land with a view of the steam train station the Royal Oak looks huge on the outside but is surprisingly cosy on the inside. We were hungry when we got there but they'd just stopped serving food. Despite this they still cooked us up a bowl of chips which I thought was very nice of them. The landlady was smitten with Chuck and we had a long doggy chat.

Out of the woods in style.

The path back was unfortunately along a main road for about a mile and half. But then we cut into some woods and popped out on the other side of the road from our lay-by. This was a great walk. About 5 hours including probably nearly two hours in the pub. Oh well. It's better than sitting around watching TV at home. I'll post a more in depth reviews of the pubs in the coming weeks.

Cheesy chips in The Royal Oak.

#Lydney #Bream #Whitecroft #theforestofdean #walkingblog #Gloucestershire #theroyaloak

8th April 2017 Lancaut in the Wye Valley

Sorry we’ve been away for so long but a change of country (we’re in Wales not England, that sort of counts) is a large upheaval. We’ve been gathering some miles under our boots and now have a series of walks to show you, the first being literally from our doorstep. We are now within walking distance of the spectacular Wye Valley, a truly stunning natural area which ends in Chepstow.

Cool gnarly trees

Our first walk starts at the bottom end of Offa’s Dyke path. This is a big ditch which was designed to keep the Welsh out, or in, depending on your perspective. Our walk took us north down a small back road towards the A38. A quick dash across the road and the path took us past the National Diving and Activity Centre. I would give this a review but there’s no way on God’s green earth you’ll get me underwater in a stinking old quarry.

Under the arches leading down to Lancaut

Next we skirted St Mary’s church in Tidenham. Then the path follows the old train line to Tintern. There is a tunnel which burrows under the hills and exits into the Wye valley just before Tintern. You can see the boarded up entrance but unfortunately there is no way to get in. Probably wouldn’t have made for particularly interesting pictures anyway.

Ruined church at Lancaut. Chuck beat us to it.

After a jaunt across the fields we reached the road down to Lancaut, our destination. There are a few paths down and you can take your pick. There is also a large wooden owl at the top. Just because.  Lancaut is a small peninsular in the Wye valley. There were some sheep and a farm and some nice views. Tucked away near the water there is a small ruined church. It was a good place for a picnic.

Some light scrambling on the route back

The route back involved getting from sea level back to the top of the cliffs. At one point there is some scrambling across some rather large rocks. If you are taking a dog ensure it is big enough not to slip between the cracks. Thankfully Chuck managed just fine. Once atop the cliffs it’s a walk back down the hill again and into Chepstow. All that remained was a drink in our new favourite pub, The Three Tuns. That gives me an idea for a pub review.

Atop the Wye Valley