As we sit in our homes in yet another lockdown, dreaming of future adventures and travels is something that’s really helping me stay positive and pull through this challenging time.
Before the UK went into it’s third national lockdown, I spent the weekend in the Wye Valley and the Forest of Dean and can’t wait to tell you all about it! It’s a weekend I loved for many reasons and one that hope you feel inspired to do some or all of. Known as The Dean Wye, it covers three counties - Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire - and spans across England and Wales. The Dean Wye is a gorgeous, diverse and welcoming part of the UK that I can’t wait to visit again when we are allowed to leave our local areas!
Cabin in the Woods
Pulling up to Resilient Woodlands on a Friday evening, we loaded our luggage into the wheelbarrows and by the light of a head torch followed the path to a woodland cabin. The cabin, set up for our arrival, was glowing in the dark night sky with fairy lights and a fire waiting to be lit in the log burner. I instantly fell in love with the cosy cabin vibe and the furnishings. Everything felt very homely and luxurious, and I could tell a lot of thought had been put into it. It has a double bedroom, main section with kitchen, sofa, wood burner, dinning table and bathroom. Also it’s dog friendly!
SPECTACULAR SUNRISE
Waking up on Saturday morning I couldn’t wait to see where we were and if there was any view after arriving in the dark. I was in for a real treat! I made a cup of tea and stepped out onto the wooden terrace to a beautiful sunrise stretching across the sky over the River Severn that divides England and Wales. Thinking that I might just move in so I could start everyday to this view, I cooked breakfast of eggs and bacon from a local farm. Produce that’s locally grown tastes better because it’s usually really high quality, but even more so knowing I can’t buy it in my local Sainsburys!
Fuelled up and ready to explore, I met one of the owners – Todd – making charcoal from the wood from his forest. His family bought the land and called it Resilient Woodlands because of their ethos to manage woodlands to be environmentally and financially sustainable. Todd and his brother Lewis built these two amazing cabins so people can come and experience the Wye Valley and connect with nature.
LET’S EXPLORE
After a trip to St Briavels Pantry to pick up supplies, we walked along the River Wye and up to the Devil’s Pulpit, arriving at sunset with a view across the valley and making the most of golden hour – my favourite time of the day!
BEAUTIFUL WALKS AND DELICIOUS FOOD
After a good walk, what’s better than heading to a pub serving delicious food and local ale by an open fire? The dream! The Ostrich Inn served one of the best meals I have ever had. The owner, Kathryn, welcomed us and our dog with a big smile and vivacious personality, joking that “Dogs are allowed so long as their owners are well-behaved!” We ordered the Beef Wellington - I am salivating at the thought of it - perfectly cooked. Followed by salted caramel chocolate brownie and washed down with a pint of Wye Valley ale.
It’s crazy how something as simple and relatively normal as having a pint and dinner in a pub can seem like such a huge treat after lockdown. Like everywhere we visited in The Dean Wye, The Ostrich Inn has it’s own story to tell. Not just of how she’s surviving this pandemic, but also Kathryn’s story of moving from London many moons ago to become a pub landlord in a village in Gloucestershire.
Back at Resilient Woodlands’ cabin, I snuggled into bed excited for Sunday’s adventure; mountain biking! Torrential rain and strong winds woke me up at 5am and the thought crossed my mind “If it’s still like this in the morning I could just stay here and relax by the fire all day…”
MOUNTAIN BIKING IN THE FOREST OF DEAN
Alas, it was still pouring with rain in the morning, but I wasn’t going to miss out on mountain biking in the Forest of Dean. That’s what waterproofs are for. Not that they made any difference, it was that wet!
We met Ian, Owner of Pedalabikeaway who guided us up and down trails for two hours. Ian shared his passion and knowledge for the area and how he came to live here, emigrating from New Zealand two decades ago. The forest - one of the oldest and largest in the UK - felt quite mysterious with cloud and fog and we absolutely loved the experience.
There are MTB trails set up for all levels from beginner to advanced to test your skills on. By the end of our session I was buzzing from the adrenalin and sheer joy of the down hills and pretty knackered from getting to the top. Ready for lunch!
THE SPEECH HOUSE
A Sunday roast at The Speech House, a five-minute drive from Pedalabikeaway, was just the ticket. After changing into dry clothes and drinking a pot of mint tea, a plate of roast beef and vegetables made me feel so good. The food followed suit with the rest of my Dean Wye experience and was delicious. I can highly recommend checking out all these places if you are in the area.
DREAMY SUNDAY
Back to the cabin for a relaxing Sunday evening by the fire. Cheese board, glass of wine, a good book and a game of Monopoly Deal. Perfection! Oh and a wet Hegley after his run in the woods!
I loved this weekend because it’s another UK adventurer’s playground that I’ve discovered since the pandemic, because a cabin in the woods is my dream, because the locals made us feel so welcome, the nature is beautiful and the opportunities for adventure are endless. Oh wait, also because I ate like a Queen!
The Wye Valley and Forest of Dean has captured a piece of my heart and I will be back when it is safe and responsible to do so. My trip was in collaboration with Dean Wye tourism, all views are my own.
To plan your trip check out these resources:
Strava Route of River Wye and Devil’s Pulpit
Enjoy and if you check out any of the places in my blog or already know and love Dean Wye - leave me a comment, I’d love to hear!