We are the Lower Wye Ramblers. We open the way for everyone in our local community to enjoy the pleasures of walking.
Robert S.
This walk starts from the high ground on the northern edge of the Forest of Dean, and offers extensive views across Herefordshire and Monmouthshire to The Blorenge and Sugar Loaf. The descent into the Wye valley is on quiet lanes and forest tracks, and then joins the route of an early tramway that was used to take coal from the Forest to the river.
We then follow the trackbed of the Severn & Wye railway from the abutment of long demolished Lydbrook viaduct back into the forest, through a short tunnel and with a brief detour through a churchyard. Leaving the railway behind, the route then runs alongside the beaver’s enclosure, past their dams and felled trees.
The final section of the walk is a lengthy, fairly steep climb through mixed woodland back to the start.
Several stiles. Uneven and muddy underfoot in places.
Bring a packed lunch.
The walk starts from High Beech, between Lydbrook and Ruardean, where there is ample off road parking. The best access is from Brierley, on the A4136 between Coleford and Cinderford. In the dip in the A4136 just on the Cinderford side of Brierley, take the minor road signposted “The Pludds”. After one mile, and just before leaving The Pludds, turn left, signposted High Beech. After just less than half mile turn right onto the grassy parking area.
