For an autumn walk in ancient woodland, there is nowhere to beat the glorious Forest of Dean. How do you improve an autumn walk? By combining it with amazing sculptures; think of a giant's chair made from enormous tree trunks perched on a hill or a stained glass window hung between two trees, or an 11 metre tall earthwork based on a Mayan temple. Then add the delight of searching for the amazing wildlife - deer, wild boar and maybe even a goshawk. All you need to add is a crisp autumn morning for the perfect woodland walk.

Start at Beechenhurst Lodge, maps available from the lodge. Parking is £3 per day.
www.forestofdean-sculpture.org.uk/
Google map: bit.ly/b6aU50

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Our day out at Puzzlewood provided one of the most magical woodland walks I have ever come across. Skip the childrens’ farm at the entrance (unless you have toddlers who like that sort of thing), to enter the forest. Within minutes you are enveloped in a weird world of ancient trees, overhanging boulders, and lush vegetation. There are paths galore, with twists and forks to provide a deep sense of mystery. This is woodland in enhanced 3D – through the rock formations you glimpse other paths, rope bridges and wooden walkways, but the maze-like formation of the woodland absorbs people; it never feels crowded. The lack of views to the outside world adds to the feeling of spookyness and there are plenty of apparently bottomless pits among the rocks to add an exciting sense of danger. There are odd flights of steps but generally the paths are not difficult; it can be slippery and do not wear your Sunday best – it is often muddy. Autumn is good for woodland but Puzzlewood is good at any time of the year. Entertainment guaranteed for all ages, toilets and small cafe at the entrance.

www.puzzlewood.net/WoodsHistory.html
Puzzlewood, PerryGrove Road, Coleford, Gloucestershire, GL16 8QB
+44 (0)1594 833 187
Google map: bit.ly/aHdj7i

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