WALK: Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire
Woods of wonder
Spot remains from the Romans, Normans and the Industrial Revolution, too, on this shaded ramble through one of England’s most illustrious forests, says Anthony Burton
The much-storied and ancient Forest of Dean is an area of mixed woodland covering over 110 square kilometres in a roughly triangular site between the rivers Wye and Severn.
It was already a royal hunting ground at the time of the Norman invasion, but it also has a rich industrial history. Iron has been worked here since Roman times, with the ore being smelted using charcoal produced in the woodland; coal is still mined here in small quantities by the Freeminers of the forest. The fascinating story of the forest is told in the Dean
Heritage Centre, housed in a former grain mill, which still has a working water wheel. This is the starting point of a 6.7-mile walk through the forest.
You’ll pass ponds in the area known as Foundry Wood, which would have served the iron works once situated nearby. Look out for the track bed of the former Bullo Pill Railway then walk through splendid woodlands to reach the two ponds of Mallards Pike.
Anthony Burton is a freelance writer and the author of a number of walking guides.