Eagle's Nest

The walk up to Eagle's Nest from Lydney is what makes this viewpoint worth your time. You're climbing through proper woodland with the River Wye snaking below, and when you reach the top, the panorama across the valley suddenly justifies all that huffing and puffing. The view stretches across the Wye Valley in one direction and down towards the Forest of Dean in the other - on a clear day it's genuinely impressive.

It's a solid spot for walkers and anyone who likes a bit of effort with their views. Families with reasonably fit kids will manage it fine; under-fives might find the climb tedious, though the river keeps them entertained on the way down. You're looking at an hour round trip from the car park, less if you're quick. It's free, which is always nice.

The real pull here is the sense of actually achieving something rather than just pulling up to a layby. The woodland itself is lovely too - proper old forest, not the manicured kind. If you're staying at Forest and Wye Valley or Penhein Glamping, both within easy reach, this makes an excellent half-day expedition before lunch. Go in autumn when the valley's golden, or spring when everything's fresh. Summer gets busy with school holidays. Don't bother in heavy rain - the paths get proper slippery and the views disappear anyway.