Cathy's Say

Our featured Gloucestershire cottages include this group of properties in the beautiful Forest of Dean. On my last cottage holiday in the Forest I decided to discover the area by bike. Cycling around the winding country lanes, I soon found the Forest was a surprisingly hilly area, although thankfully in short sections. There is a wide-ranging network of well-constructed cycle paths which are particularly good for families. These routes make use of old railway lines which served the coal mines deep in the forest and therefore offer long stretches of flat, gentle gradients. The Family Cycle Trail is an 11-mile circular route that takes you around the heart of the Forest. This route has been specially surfaced and is suitable for all ages and abilities. I started out from the Cycle Centre between Cinderford and Coleford where there is a well-stocked cycle shop with bikes for hire. Although it was well marked in some sections, other parts seemed poorly signposted - if there were signs they were somewhat ambiguous. As I cycled along the wooded track I kept my eye out for the wild boar and deer which inhabit the forest. I didn’t see either but did come across several sheep which roam freely in the Forest - an ancient grazing right granted to those born there.
Click here to see other cottages in the same location Bridle Cottage, sleeps 4.
Click here to see other cottages in the same location Swallow Cottage, sleeps 2.
Click here to see other cottages in the same location Foxes Cottage, sleeps 4.
Click here to see other cottages in the same location The Cottage, sleeps 2.
Click here to see other cottages in the same location Tigs Cottage, sleeps 4.
Click here to see other cottages in the same location Forge Cottage, sleeps 4.
Click here to see all of our Gloucestershire cottages.

Property Description

Surrounded by lawns with mature trees, and grounds leading directly into the Royal Forest of Dean – an ancient woodland and area of outstanding natural beauty – these seven cottages enjoy the perfect setting for a relaxing break, whatever the season. Spacious, comfortable and cosily heated, they share an attractive courtyard setting with a number of other properties. As well as being a haven for wildlife and home to the Cannop Valley and Nags Head RSPB reserves, the historic Royal Forest of Dean is crisscrossed by nature trails and cycleways – superb for walking and mountain biking. And this glorious forest area offers so much for visitors of every age to do. Outdoor pursuits can be enjoyed at one of the many activity centres, there is a famous sculpture trail to follow and craft centres to explore, and both the fascinating Clearwell Caves and Forest Steam Railway Centre are close by.

Among the myriad of exhilarating activities to be found within about 20 minutes’ drive of the cottages are quad biking, a climbing tower, high trees rope adventure, and canoeing on the River Wye at Symond’s Yat. Magnificent Tintern Abbey, the thrill of horse racing at Chepstow and cinema at Coleford are all just a short drive. Visitors can enjoy wonderful days out exploring Gloucester, with its cathedral and historic docks area, the Malvern Hills and the beautiful Wye Valley as well as the picturesque villages and quaint market towns of the Cotswolds, which are also within easy reach. Golf, riding and fishing are all found locally and the delightful little town of Lydney, with its good shops and leisure centre, is just 3 miles. Village pub and shop 0.5 mile.

 

Comfortable beamed open plan sitting room with dining and kitchen areas. Bathroom/WC (shower over bath). First floor: Double bedroom. Twin bedded room.