Duchess Ride

The walk up to Duchess Ride from Lydney takes you through proper Forest of Dean terrain - ancient woodland, dense enough that you lose sight of the world beyond the trees within minutes. The viewpoint itself sits on a high point and delivers what you'd hope for: sight lines across the Wye Valley and into Wales beyond. Clear days are essential here; I've seen it both ways and the difference is stark.

It's a straightforward hike rather than a casual stroll, so families with young children might find it a bit steep for the reward. Walkers and anyone serious about the Forest will get real value from it though. The path is well-trodden but can be muddy, especially after rain. Allow a couple of hours return trip from Lydney, depending on your pace.

Practically speaking, it's free and unfenced - arrive whenever suits you. No facilities at the top, so bring water. The charm is in doing this as part of a wider Forest of Dean loop rather than an isolated detour. If you're based at one of the nearby caravan sites like Forest and Wye Valley (less than three miles away) or Bracelands, you can mix it with lower-level walks through the woodland, a visit to the visitor centre, or a pint in town afterwards. Worth the effort if you're already in the area for a few days.