As the wild garlic begins to scent the air and the first hint of bluebells appears under the beech trees, April is one of the most quietly spectacular months to be in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. The crowds haven’t arrived yet. The light through the new leaves is extraordinary. And the woodland floor is doing something remarkable.
Here are seven easy walks worth putting in your April diary — whether you’re staying in the area, own a property here, or are simply looking for a reason to get outside.
1. Cannop Ponds — 1.5 to 2 miles
The perfect spot for a gentle April morning. The ponds are teeming with life this time of year — keep an eye out for mandarin ducks and reed warblers making the most of the season. This short, easy loop is ideal for families with young children or dogs, and the waterside setting feels peaceful and unhurried.
2. Speech House Woods — 2.5 miles
This is the heart of the Forest. In April, the light filtering through the ancient oaks is genuinely spectacular — one of those things you have to see to understand. The track is wide and well-worn, grand and historic, and the walking requires very little effort for a great deal of reward.
3. Whitestone Viewpoint & Cleddon Falls — 2 miles
For those who want the satisfaction of a big view without the big climb. The vista over the Wye Valley from Whitestone is one of the finest in the area, and after the spring rains Cleddon Falls is often at its most impressive — a beautiful, rushing soundtrack to a gentle stroll.
4. Brockweir and along the Wye — 2 miles
A lovely riverside route that captures the essence of the season. Walking along the banks of the Wye as the trees begin to bud is deeply peaceful, and the flat, easy-to-follow loop makes this accessible for almost everyone. Quite possibly our favourite on this list.
5. Symonds Yat East & Biblins Bridge — 2.75 miles
A classic for a reason. This walk takes you along the river to the famous wobbly Biblins Bridge — a rite of passage for anyone visiting the valley. In April the valley sides are lush and vivid, and if you look up at the cliffs above you might spot the peregrine falcons beginning their nesting season.
6. Trellech Beacon — 3 miles
If you’re looking for space and perspective, this is the walk. A gentle incline to the Beacon rewards you with a 360-degree view taking in the Black Mountains and the Severn Estuary. On a clear April day the colours are crisp and the scale of it is quietly breathtaking.
7. Ross-on-Wye Town Trail — 1.75 miles
Last but not least — and a lovely way to end a stay in the area. This stroll takes you through the historic Prospect Gardens and along the river cliffs, where spring blooms are coming into their own. Finish with a coffee from one of the town’s independent cafés and you’ve had a near-perfect morning.
A local tip: the woodland near Soudley Ponds is also stunning for bluebells right now, and you can park for free at the Dean Heritage Centre and enjoy their wonderful café. ☕