Ponds
Speech House Hotel
TRAVEL
Beechenhurst
Exploring what ’ s on your doorstep
As we look to a new year and the arrival of Spring , some of you may be looking forward to spending more time outside , enjoying the great British countryside . If that sounds like you , then you might want to consider a visit to Beecenhurst – the perfect location for a low cost , family friendly day out .
A forty-minute drive from Imjin Barracks will see you arrive at Beechenhurst , right in the heart of the Forest of Dean , one of Britain ’ s oldest and largest woodlands . It is the ideal place for families to start their forest
ARRC Social Club
adventure , whether you are keen walkers , cyclists or just looking for a fun day trip .
Younger children will love the Gruffalo Spotters Trail – a series of fun and educational stands along an easy walking path ( about 1 mile ( 1.6km long )). Thanks to an augmented reality mobile phone app , you ’ ll be able to interact with each of the characters as they appear within the forest around you . Top tip : download the app before you travel to avoid 4G disappointment !
The famous sculpture trail showcases a weird and wonderful variety of artworks that have been inspired by the unique heritage of this forest . The sculptures are mostly constructed from natural material from the Dean - wood , stone and iron and interspersed in such a way that you do not have to walk the full 4.5-mile ( 7km ) trail to get the experience . At the time of writing the temporary ‘ Forest to Forest ’ exhibition ( main photo ) was also in place just a short walk from the café .
Walking trails at Beechenhurst
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Finally , and perhaps most importantly for weary walkers ( and parents ), the site has a vibrant café with plenty of seating and delicious locally sourced food . There are picnic and even bookable barbecue areas if you ’ d prefer to bring your own . The adjacent forest themed playpark will keep kids amused for hours and if you are feeling a little more extreme , there is also a Go Ape tree top adventure site close by .
Full details available at www . forestryengland . uk / beechenhurst
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There are miles of tracks to discover here at Beechenhurst , or you can explore the woodland along one of these four routes . All routes start at Beechenhurst .
Trail information
Beechenhurst Trail 13 km ( 8 miles ) 3 ½ hours
2310 / Aug ‘ 20 © Crown copyright
This ‘ Ramblers Route ’ explores the north-west part of the forest . A challenging walk with lots of hills on unsurfaced paths . OS Explorer Map OL14 is advised for this trail .
Beechenhurst to Speech House link path
1km ( 0.6 miles ) 30 mins
An uphill link to Speech House Woodlands , passing close to Cyril Hart Arboretum and the historic Speech House . If you do venture off the path , take care crossing the road .
Forest to Forest Trail 1km ( 0.6 miles ) 30 mins
This new temporary arts trail features eight new sculptures celebrating forest wildlife , flora and fauna . It will be in place until the end of October 2021 .
Beechenhurst
Walking trails
Cannop Cycle Centre
Cannop
Cannop
Cannop Brook
B4324 New Road
Woorgreens Nature Reserve
2.5km ( 1.5 miles ) 1 hour lake only 4km ( 2.5miles ) 1½ hours full trail
Beechenhurst
Cannop Brook
From Speech House Woodlands car park follow the yellow way markers . The site of an old open cast mine , Woorgreens is a haven for wildlife , including butterflies , reptiles and birds . The site is managed with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust and can be muddy in wet weather .
Sculpture Trail
7 km ( 4.5 miles ) 2 - 3 hours Shortcut A : 3.5 km ( 2.2 miles ) 1 ½ hours Shortcut B : 4.8 km ( 3 miles ) 1 ½ - 2 hours
Speculation
Car Park
This thought provoking trail takes in a series of sculptures inspired by the forest ; its trees , wildlife and industrial past . The trail uses a mix of hardstone tracks and unsurfaced pathways with two short cut options available . More information is available at the trail start or a Sculpture Trail leaflet can be purchased from the cafe .
Emergency info
Key locations : Beechenhurst . GL16 7EL Grid Ref : SO614120
Shortcut A
Nearest access road : B4226 Speech House Road ( Coleford to Cinderford road )
Nearest minor injury unit : Lydney & District Hospital , Grove Road , Lydney , Gloucestershire , GL15 5JE
Shortcut B
Nearest A & E hospital facilities : Gloucestershire Royal Hospital , Great Western Road , Gloucester , GL1 3NN
In case of an emergency call 999 . Inform Forestry England on 0300 067 4800 ( Mon to Fri , 9am – 3pm )
Forest code
• Protect and respect wildlife , plants and trees .
• Guard against all risks of fire .
• Take your litter home .
• Make no unnecessary noise .
• Take only memories away .
Heart of the Forest School
• The forest is for everyone . Please be aware of other visitors .
Join today
As a member you ’ ll be supporting the Forest of Dean and get free onsite parking , forest updates and discounts .
forestryengland . uk / membership
Cyril Hart Arboretum
B4226 Speech House Road
Key
Car parking Toilets Cafe Play area Picnic area the imjin WINTER 2021
BBQ area Cycle hire GoApe Public phone Tramper hire
forestryengland . uk
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