A bird's eye view of the Forest of Dean
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The panoramic from the New Fancy viewpoint
Symonds Yat Rock
OS Grid Reference: SO564160
Start your day at Symonds Yat Rock - an internationally famous viewpoint and one of the best views in the UK. Nearby cliffs are the nesting place of peregrine falcons that soar above the valley of the River Wye 120m below. It is also the site of an Iron Age hill fort.
There is an optional fairly steep 1.5mile walk down the hill towards Symonds Yat East where you will find hotels, cafes, inn, canoe hire and river cruises.
From Symonds Yat Rock to New Fancy Viewpoint: Drive time: 30mins; Distance: 10miles
New Fancy Viewpoint
OS Grid Reference: SO 628095
At the entrance to the car park, you will find a memorial sculpture to honour those who worked and died in the mining and quarrying industry in the Forest of Dean. You will also find the unique Forest of Dean Geomap which celebrates both the geological and industrial history of the area. The map represents the geology of the Forest, with each layer of rock shown on the geomap made from the actual rock it represents, taken from local quarries. $viewpoint is famous for seeing goshawks during the summer as they perform their acrobatic flying displays.
From New Fancy to Blaize Bailey: Drive time: 15mins; Distance: 4miles
Blaize Bailey Viewpoint
OS Grid Reference: SO663116
The viewpoint at Blaize Bailey offers stunning views of the River Severn and the Horseshoe Bend at Newnham. On a clear day, sights from the viewpoint will include Gloucester Cathedral, GCHQ in Cheltenham and Slimbridge over the countryside and local villages. Park at Soudley Ponds, and walk up quite a steep ridge for about half an hour to get to the viewpoint.
From Blaize Bailey to Yew Tree Inn, Cliffords Mesne: Drive time: 40mins; Distance: 13 miles
Enjoy a hearty lunch at the Yew Tree Inn, Cliffords Mesne. 01531 820719.
May Hill
OS Grid Reference: SO695213
May Hill is the most familiar landmark for many miles around, with its near circular mound and the crowning clump of trees, and at 275 metres (969 feet) it is the highest point in the Forest of Dean. On a clear day you can see up to 12 other counties along with the Malvern Hills, Black Mountains and Cotswold Hills.
The May Hill Walk – From the Yew Tree Inn, walk along the road and path up to the summit of May Hill. The path is mainly in woodland and rises quite steeply towards the summit.
Staying longer?
Why not visit The Kymin near Monmouth. Once visited by Nelson and set in nine acres of woods and pleasure grounds, this property encompasses a small two-storey circular Georgian banqueting house (Round House) and naval temple, a monument dedicated to the glories of the British Navy.
The hilltop grounds near Monmouth in the Wye valley afford spectacular views of the surrounding countryside.
Further down the Lower Wye Valley, you will find Devil’s Pulpit situated on Offa’s Dyke Path and overlooking the beautiful Tintern Abbey.
Plus, near Chepstow, Lancaut and Ban-y-Gor Wood Nature Reserve is surrounded by cliffs, with views over the river and to Wintour's Leap - a truly memorable spot.
2 Comments
by Local Photographer, New Fancy View
Wednesday, January 20 2010, 6:52PM
“Is this the best pic you have of New Fancy Viewpoint in the Forest of Dean?
If this is your way of trying to advertise the FoD and its views, you need to buy some glasses as this pic is very poor and does not do justice to this fabulous viewpoint, or the Forest of Dean as a whole.
Please try and be more selective when choosing the image to accompany your features.
If you are struggling for photos, send me an email and I will gladly send you one free of charge.”
by Chris, Coleford
Thursday, November 27 2008, 9:00PM
“Great photo. I see the horizon is falling off to the left. Any water in them there ponds rivers and lakes?”