Forest of Dean Information For Visitors

Jaywood house is situated in the village of Worrall Hill in the centre of the Forest of Dean. Coleford is 3 miles away and is the administrative centre of the Forest of Dean, with many shops, a cinema, restaurants and pubs. 

The Forest of Dean is one of the surviving ancient woodlands of England, covering an area of 110 square kilometres. It’s famous for stunning scenery, wildlife and outdoor activities – cycling, climbing, swimming, canoeing, caving, mountain biking – to name but a few. 

The forest is where England meets Wales, separated by the meandering River Wye, you’ll discover a place of beauty and nature. With breathtaking viewpoints, why not walk or cycle the miles of off-road paths, explore the iconic ruins and unique attractions or dine out in some of the local pubs. 

The world famous mountain bike centre is just at the end of the road, you can cycle your bike from the front door and drop straight into the purpose made MTB trails. We have several bikes that we don’t mind our guests using. They’re not top end mountain bikes but they are good for exploring with and getting to know the local area. More information below. 

This guide is here to help and assist your visit. We’re happy to help and offer advice, so that you can enjoy your stay – we hope you enjoy your time in Jaywood House. 

The house was built in 1935 and has been extended over the years. It’s the highest point in the village and has far reaching views across the forest. 

The rented annex has its own entrance with a balcony, ensuite bathroom, kitchen and large lounge area. The lounge area has a pull out double bed if you need to sleep four people. We have several bikes that you can borrow at £10 per bike, per day. The kitchen is well stocked and we provide bread, milk, cereal and tea and coffee making facilities.

The nearest shop is a medium sized central stores at the bottom of the hill – https://goo.gl/maps/Pf5kXUHdN4HGCKbQA

There’s also a petrol station and shop that’s open later on a Sunday two miles away here – https://goo.gl/maps/P58s2BML2DQNUn8s9

If you’re after a bigger supermarket, there’s a LIDL in Coleford – https://goo.gl/maps/yZQ3ubgrV3MiYuub6 and one in Cinderford – https://goo.gl/maps/QKav1SfBCBQeRLoX6

There’s also a Co-op and Tesco express in Coleford. 

Monmouth (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monmouth) is a gorgeous town with a massive selection of restaurants, shops, bakeries, coffee shops and much more. You can cycle down to Monmouth via the cycle path that follows the river Wye – it only takes 30 mins – 

Worrall Hill travelling by car too: 

• Symonds Yat – 10 mins
• Monmouth – 20 mins
• Bristol – 40 mins
• Gloucester – 35 mins
• Tintern Abbey – 26 mins
• Brecon Beacons – 40 mins
• Malvern Hills – 40 mins
• Cheltenham – 40 mins
• Cardiff – 55 mins
• Bristol Airport – 1 hr 5 min
• Birmingham Airport – 1 hr 25 mins

The Forest of Dean really does have a huge amount to offer and we can help and offer advice but the below links are useful. Dave – https://davetalbot.net/about-dave-talbot/ – is a fully qualified climbing and mountaineering instructor, bike /  kayak / canoe guide and can give helpful advice. 

MOUNTAIN BIKING

The forest of Dean is world famous for mountain biking. There’s so much to explore and experience for every level of rider. The main off road cycle centre – https://www.forestryengland.uk/forest-dean-cycle-centre – is 200 metres from our front door and you can drop straight into the trails – free of charge. Here’s the trail map – CLICK HERE –  There’s also so many other areas to explore – just ask, I’ve got the local knowledge for the ‘local’ areas. 

For easier cycling trails then the rides at Symonds Yat are perfect, there’s a guide here – CLICK HERE 

You can also cycle from the house to Monmouth via the cycle path next to the river Wye. This is known as the Peregrine Path and it’s a fabulous ride – https://www.sustrans.org.uk/find-a-route-on-the-national-cycle-network/peregrine-path/

There’s more information to the whole area here – https://www.visitdeanwye.co.uk/things-to-do/cycling/cycle-trails

WALKING

The forest is a beautiful place for exploring and walking. The river wye is a picturesque place for hiking and a pub lunch, at one of the many countryside pubs. 

This is a walking guide to the Symonds Yat area –  CLICK HERE 

Brecon Beacons guide is here – https://davetalbot.net/brecon-beacons-classic-walks/

ROAD BIKING

There’s so many loops and journeys to be had in and around the Forest of Dean. Cycling from our place to Abergavneny for lunch and back is a great full day ride. 

Here is a good article with some shorter rides in the Forrest – https://www.komoot.com/guide/674175/cycling-around-the-forest-of-dean

CANOEING 

The river Wye is a stunning setting for a short afternoon paddle or for a multi day adventure.  Here is a full guide to paddling the river Wye, there’s quite a bit of information here – CLICK HERE 

If you’re staying with us and fancy a day trip. The section from Hoarwithy down is simply stunning – https://www.herefordcanoehire.com/

ROCK CLIMBING

Rock climbing can be done indoors and outdoors. There’s so much to go at. This is the local bouldering wall – https://www.forestclimbing.co.uk/

The nearest big roped climbing wall is Gloucester – https://www.the-warehouse.co.uk/

The best outdoor climbing areas are Symonds Yat – https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crags/symonds_yat-403/ and Wintours Leap – https://www.ukclimbing.com/logbook/crags/wintours_leap-51/

I am also around for private guiding, if you want to have the best experience – https://davetalbot.net/rock-climbing-courses/

CAVING 

For the family fun stuff, go and visit – https://clearwellcaves.com/ – it’s amazing. 

For more ‘full on’ caving experiences you can explore the caves at Symonds Yat. Check out – https://borderlandsoutdoor.com/activity/caving/

OTHER ACTIVITIES 

Go Ape at Mallards Pike for adults and older children – https://goape.co.uk/locations/forest-of-dean-mallards-pike

And at Beechenhurst for younger children https://goape.co.uk/locations/forest-of-dean-beechenhurst

Puzzlewood – https://www.puzzlewood.net/

Trains at – https://www.perrygrove.co.uk/

The closest pub to Jaywood House is http://thecolliersinn.com/ – this is at the bottom of the hill. It isn’t open on Monday / Tuesday. There’s a lovely path that leads down through the trees to the pub from the house and takes 10 minutes. 

The Royal Spring is a great pub and that’s a bit further away here – https://goo.gl/maps/zi4yZJgnUMj4VWDP7

You can also cycle or walk on relatively flat paths to the village of Five Acres – https://goo.gl/maps/VfTuBD6KEBBDcMLN9 – there’s loads of good pubs serving food in this area. 

There’s a good restaurant in Coleford here – https://boltersincoleford.co.uk/

Here’s a list of some other pubs – https://www.campingintheforest.co.uk/blog/things-to-do/forest-of-dean/pubs

There’s a good cafe at https://www.beechenhurstcafe.co.uk/ and at Symonds Yat – http://www.symondsyatrockcafe.co.uk/