This time of the year is a lovely time to get out and about. A long country walk in the autumn is the perfect tonic to what is at the moment an even more stressful world than normal. Walking in the countryside has many health benefits, both to physical health and mental health.
You can even combine it with Sunday lunch Cotswolds style – eaten in a cosy pub with a cosy fire and a glass of wine – perfect!
One of the best places to enjoy the autumn is the Forest of Dean – this beautiful part of countryside is an ancient woodland which is full of beauty spots and places to enjoy a walk in the autumnal leaves as well as places that are full of the history of the forest. Here are some of the best places to visit in the Forest of Dean…
Soudley Ponds – These gorgeous ponds are perfect in the Autumn – the tall trees surrounding the lakes make for a scenic stroll, and there is also a walk to a viewpoint where you can take in the beauty of the surrounding forest.
Clearwell Caves – Head deep underground into these caves, that were once mined for the iron and other precious ores that can be found here. Home now to many species of bats, some endangered, the caves are lit for visitors to uncover some fantastic natural history.
Puzzle Wood – This intriguing woodland has a somewhat enchanted look, and is what inspired Tolkien to write his book the Hobbit – once you walk around the mossy floor and the twisted tree roots you will feel as though you are in a fairy-tale woodland from another world!