Forest of Dene

she does!

lovely spot, especially the Wye valley and the Sculpture Trail at Speech House is quite cool. Haven't explored too much, despite it being on the doorstep and having worked in Gloucestershire for 5 years.....much prefer the Malverns and not walking in plantation woodland.

May Hill is quite nice too....

The Ordinance Survey do a couple of useful guides with suggested walks.

 http://www.visitforestofdean.co.uk/outdoors/walking.aspx

also has useful data.

Hi Ellen

Come and do the lyke wake walk with me!

Davey Mole wrote (see)

she does!

lovely spot, especially the Wye valley and the Sculpture Trail at Speech House is quite cool. Haven't explored too much, despite it being on the doorstep and having worked in Gloucestershire for 5 years.....much prefer the Malverns and not walking in plantation woodland.

May Hill is quite nice too....

I always like to ask just in case

I live 10 miles from the wye valley so this is right on my doorstep too. Forest of Dean (and Wye Valley) is hoooge. Plenty of walks with the areas around Parkend and Cannop Ponds worth a visit. Also Lydney Park Gardens

Symonds Yat is lovely.  We go every year after taking our children to see (the real) Santa at Clearwell Caves!

It's no national park though! 

Thanks for all your suggestions . Davey, May Hill is indeed nice if sometimes a bit crowded, I don't yet know the Malverns but it's on the list. I have a passion for the Wye, especially Coppet Hill, but want to get to know the Forest better. Was called to by the peregrine when I was under Coldwell Rocks a couple of weeks back. Dave, I know Lydeny Park Gardens (+ dream temple) but not what I was meaning. I fancy wild boar (to look at not eat, at least not while walking unless turned into jerky!) and deer and badgers and kitchen-pot-falcon ...

Shall look for OS book. Have maps but trails seem quite thick and confusing ... probably need to get my eye in for them. 

Dave, for Cannop Ponds & Parkend I suspect midweek best for less people?