The beauty of the Forest of Dean will be unravelled as you cycle along the quiet roads passing through the changing scenery - from carpets of bluebells in the Spring to the rich browns of the bracken and falling leaves in Autumn.The history of the Forest can be discovered at Littledean Hall and the Dean Heritage Museum in Soudley, and the freedom of cycling along the old railway lines beside the River Wye, watching the canoeists at Symonds Yat Rapids and the swans and wildlife along the river banks is an experience not to be missed.
May Hill / River Wye
Falcons, Museums of Victorian life, Butterflies and the natural world, and Cider making, each give you the chance to rest after the worthwhile effort of getting to the top of May Hill with its distinctive landmark of a group of fir trees and spectacular views in every direction. From the quiet lanes over Ridge Hill and Marcle Hill, south of Ledbury, The Malvern Hills - second oldest range in Europe - can be seen dominating the skyline to the northeast. On the second day you can meander along by the River Wye enjoying the peace of the countryside, with maybe a rest at Hoarwithy, to see the extraordinary Romanesque church.
Four Day Tours
Forest of Dean / Herefordshire Villages
The history of the Royal Forest of Dean will be unravelled when visiting the ancient iron mines at Clearwell Caves, Puzzle Wood and the Dean Heritage Museum (the museum of forest life). The time is yours to pedal at your leisure among the oaks and firs of the Forest or sample the local cider of Westons (Much Marcle) and Symonds (Stoke Lacy). The quiet lanes of Herefordshire invite you to enjoy the countryside around you, with stops at the castles of Skenfrith and Grosmont, or the historic churches of Hoarwithy and Kilpeck, will give you an excuse for a rest.
Hay-on-Wye / Usk Tour
Books and more books, especially secondhand ones, is what Hay-on-Wye is famous for you get there by following the peaceful Golden Valley, stopping if you wish to see Dore Abbey, one of the finest Cistercian Abbeys. After Hay, take the long climb to Hay Bluff to enjoy the panoramic views and maybe watch the hang-gliders before cycling over the Gospel Pass. You have the chance to explore the border castles - Skenfrith, Grosmont, Raglan, Goodrich - the choice is yours!
Six Day Tours
The Marches Tour
The Marches is the ancient name for the beautiful border country of England and Wales. You may wish to start by going east to see the spectacular views from May Hill. Watch a flying demonstration of falcons or eagles at the National Birds of Prey Centre or wander around The Shambles (a museum of Victorian life in Newent). The quiet lanes meander through the peaceful villages of Herefordshire including the black and white villages of Weobley, Dilwyn and Eardisland before arriving at Hay-on-Wye, famous for its secondhand bookshops. The scenery now changes to the harsh and rugged landscape of the Black Mountains and after experiencing the spectacular views from Hay Bluff you cycle down the Honddu Valley passing the ruins of Llanthony Priory. Visits to Abergavenny, Chepstow and Tintern are possible before returning beside the River Wye, using the old railway lines where possible, to conclude a holiday of great variety.
Wye Valley/ Severn Vale / Cotswolds
The leisurely pace of this tour enables you to absorb the outstanding beauty of the Forest of Dean from vantage points such as Symonds Yat Rock and Wyndcliffe. Explore the Forest history at Dean Heritage Museum or delve into the past at Tintern Abbey and Chepstow Castle. On pedalling across the Severn Bridge (an interesting experience), you can continue through Berkeley Vale - not a hill for miles - with opportunities for breaks at Jenner's Museum, Berkeley Castle or Slimbridge Wildfowl Trust. By mid-week you may have climbed up into the Cotswolds and had the choice of visiting Westonbirt Arboretum, Prinknash Abbey and Pottery and various local craft workshops. Returning via Newent, The Shambles museum of Victorian life, The Falconry Centre and May Hill with its distinctive landmark of a group of fir trees (may be seen many times while on the tour).
