5 Forest of Dean Picnic Spots

It’s the first of May and Summer is on its way.  Time to make plans to meet family and friends at one of the Forest of Dean picnic spots.   One of my childhood memories is of my friends paddling in the brook at Wenchford and then tucking into a picnic beneath the green canope.  Because, when it comes to Forest of Dean picnic spots you are spoilt for choice.   Whether your ideal spot is a woodland hideaway, a sunny place by the river or one of the view points there is something for everyone.

Here are our top 5 Forest of Dean Picnic Spots.

 

Lower Wyncliff

Lower Wyncliff is a lovely spot to have a picnic with benches and a pleasant view.  You can climb 365 steps (one for each day of the year) to The Eagles Nest, one of the most spectacular view points in the Wye Valley.   Alternatively, you can enjoy a walk through Wyncliff Woods.

Mallard’s Pike Lake

Voted the best place to picnic in the South West by Warburton’s Picnic Awards 2010.  Mallard’s Pike is a beautiful setting for a picnic with several lakes surrounded by woodland.  It’s popular with locals and visitors alike and is an adventure activity destination.  It’s home to Go Ape Tree Top Challenge, Forest Segway’s and the Gruffalo Orienteering. Most people take a walk around the lake and sit and enjoy the picturesque scenery.  Save some bread for  the ducks and look out for the dragonflies that skim the pond.  There is a cafĂ© that sells hot and cold refreshments and BBQ facilities available.

 

Symonds Yat Rock

An internationally renowned viewpoint overlooking the River Wye.  It’s one of the best places in the country to observe Peregrine Falcons that nest in the rock.  There are five walking routes and a cycling route that take you through woodland and along riverside trails.  With plenty of scenic spots to stop off and have your perfect picnic.  There are many places to explore including the popular Symonds Yat Rock to Biblins Loop finishing at the Log Café where there are picnic tables and refreshments available.

 

Beechenhurst

Located in the heart of the Forest of Dean and home to the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail Beechenhurst is the perfect rain or shine picnic destination.  There is plenty of outdoor space for a game of football or rounders and a lovely café with indoor seating if it gets a little chilly.  With a adventure playground where parents can sit at picnic tables and have a cuppa while their children play and a interactive Zog Trail there is enough to keep little ones entertained.  Meanwhile youngsters can enjoy the climbing tower and Go Ape Tree-top Adventure with zip wire.

 

May Hill – Cliffords Mense

A truly magical place for a picnic.  May hill is one of the highest hills in Gloucestershire with a clump of trees that are a well-known landmark that can be seen from miles around.  It’s summit on the western edge is in Gloucestershire and its slopes on the northern edge are in Herefordshire.  Sometimes there are ponies and cattle grazing on the hillside.  It’s a great place to go and fly a kite and one of the best locations in the Forest of Dean to watch the sun setting.

 

TOP TIPS :

 

Do tag us in at #willowforeststays and let us know where you found your perfect picnic spot.

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