Enjoy an amazing day out strolling through The Forest of Dean, the magnificent trees and the splendour of the surrounding area is a sight to behold. Nature lovers, dog walkers, families, or fun camping trips with friends, this incredible and beautiful woodland stretches for 110 square kilometres. Bounded by The River Wye to the West, The River Severn to the South, The City of Gloucester to the East and Herefordshire to the North. The Woodland has many exciting and fascinating points of interest including, Beechenhurst Lodge, Clearwell caves, Dean Heritage Centre, Puzzle Wood, Mallards Pike Lake and Symonds Yat to name just a few. The Forest is a great place for adventure, if you enjoy mountain biking, zip wires, kayaking, steam trains or just a leisurely walk the Forest of Dean is the place to go. No need to get lost, there are a great selection of maps and guides to help you explore this stunning area of outstanding natural beauty.
The Sculpture Trail itself is four miles long and is located within the Forest of Dean and incorporates a unique collection of seventeen contemporary world class sculptures. Some of these are permanent exhibitions and some are only temporary, allowing for the trail to be changed and adapted on a regular basis. The individual sculptures are inspired by the Forest, it’s trees, wildlife and past history. The variety of materials used are mainly natural such as wood, stone and iron but glass has also been used and features in the beautiful Stained-glass window which hangs from the tall trees. If you’re interested in Corten metal garden sculptures why not check out web sites such as http://www.afsculpture.uk/portfolio_page/corten-metal-sculptures/.
Two of the newest permanent pieces of sculpture now incorporated within the trail are “Coal Measure Giants” by Henry castle and “Yasasin” by Pomona Zipser. “Sentient Forest” by Andrea Roe and “Charcoal Measure” by Onya McCausland are two of the new temporary works of art that can also be appreciated and enjoyed by visitors to the trail. There are several different walks you can participate in, some shorter and easier to access and some much longer and more difficult to complete.
Feeling a little peckish while you’re out exploring, don’t worry, there are plenty of places to eat and drink in the local vicinity. From elegant restaurants, to cosy pubs, cafes and tea rooms, many of them using fresh local produce there is a grand choice when it comes to satisfying the hungriest appetite. Gloucester Old Spot bacon, smoked salmon from the Severn, free range eggs and hand reared chickens along with organic juices, there is something available for the most discerning of diner. When you’ve slated your appetite and quenched your thirst it’s time to try another great walk and explore the Forest some more.
