| Branch out into the forest
Having inspired the likes of J.R.R.Tolkien, J.K.Rowling and
Dennis Potter, "Gloucestershire's greatest natural wonder",
The Royal Forest of Dean, is both historically fascinating
and mind-bendingly mythical. Now, visitors can experience
a carefully chosen route of some 20-miles around the most
magical broad-leaf forest in Britain.
The Royal Forest Route was launched at a time to make the
most of the golden colours of Autumn. But the changing seasons
ensure year-round interest: from the sparkling frosts and
snowfall of Winter, to the carpets of bluebells lining the
forest floor in the Spring. And from the shafts of sunlight
streaming through the trees in the Summer months, to the unforgettable
drive along the 'Golden Mile' in the Autumn.
A kaleidoscope of colours, the forest conceals a history
best unearthed at the 'Start Point East' of the circular tour,
at the Dean Heritage Centre in Lower Soudley. An essential
introduction to what makes the Forest of Dean so special,
the centre tells the story of the forest's culture and environment
– and also introduces visitors to one of the oldest
brands in Britain: the Dean navy hammer. Used to mark selected
trees for felling in the production of England's Tudor warships,
the brand also appears proudly on the cover of the new leaflet.
From there, the circuit passes by Speech House Hotel which
boasts the oldest court in the British Isles; the renowned
Sculpture Trail, with its giant chairs and stained glass windows;
a mine dating back to the 1820s, where visitors are given
the chance to step both back in time, and underground; a 15"
gauge estate steam railway; and the virtually indescribable
'Puzzlewood.' Based around a pre-Roman open-cast ore mine,
the environment within this attraction has, over the centuries,
taken on the appearance of a Tolkien-esque landscape. Located
in Dean farmland, it offers today's visitors the chance to
make their way around an enclosed natural maze of paths, bridges,
tunnels and clefts – all of which reveal more and more
of this fantasy-world at every twist and turn.
'Start Point West', meanwhile, is located at the Clearwell
Caves, home of the fashionable Clearwell Ochre, currently
in demand for interior decoration. Mined for 3,000 years,
the Caves themselves feature eight large caverns now open
to the public. From there, the route offers nature reserves,
lakeland areas, and spectacular views, before dropping down
to one of the undoubted highlights of the entire circuit –
the 'Golden Mile' of forest leading to Upper Soudley.
Full details of all attractions along the way are contained
in the new leaflet, which also features an easy-to-follow
map of The Royal Forest Route. Places of interest just off
the route are also listed, including: Symonds Yat, the Three
Choirs Vineyard, the Wye Valley, Newent and Lydney.
Picnic spots and footpaths are highlighted within the leaflet,
whilst information about hotels, guest houses and self-catering
accommodation in the area can be obtained on the dedicated
web site www.royalforest.info, as well as www.glos-cotswolds.com.
For further information, please contact: Gloucestershire Tourism
on 01452-425657 or E-mail: tourism@gloscc.gov.uk
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