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Whether you want to go on a two-day hike, throw yourself into some high-energy activities or just take a leisurely bike ride to a viewing hotspot, the Forest of Dean accommodates all.
With so much selection, you won't know where to start. So here are some of our top tips to keep everyone entertained on your visit to the Forest...
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Whether you're a first time visitor, or returning to rediscover its charms, you'll find the best in hospitality, along with spectacular scenery, a wealth of wildlife and a fascinating heritage.
However if you only have a day, you'll just scratch the surface of what this wonderful place has to offer. So why not stay a bit longer and discover more of the Forest's charms, it won't take long before you fall under its spell.
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Said to have inspired the likes of J.R.R.Tolkien, J.K.Rowling and Dennis Potter, "Gloucestershire's greatest natural wonder", the Forest of Dean, is best explored by following The Royal Forest Route, which takes visitors on a 20-mile tour of the spectacular broad-leaf forest.
Springtime is one of the best times of the year to follow this route, when many areas, such as the Soudley Valley are filled with the most spectacular bluebells.
The Severn Bore
The Severn Estuary is the location for the renowned ‘Severn Bore' and is one of Gloucestershire's most famous attractions, bringing river surfers and spectators from far and wide. The Estuary has the second highest tidal range in the world and the naturally occurring tidal bore is a phenomenon that occurs in the lower reaches of a few rivers throughout the world.
For many river surfing enthusiasts, it is a site that is frequented yearly, mainly around Spring time when there are the largest bores - some reaching 2 metres! The bores are known to travel at an average speed of 16kph and can be best seen at Stonebench, Gloucester. The name bore comes from the Scandinavian or Icelandic ‘bara' meaning a wave, swell or billow.
For 2011, the Environment Agency will be replacing the previously printed booklet with a series of PDF files, all of which you can download here:
Severn Bore Basics
Severn Bore Viewing Points
Severn Bore Safety
Severn Bore Forecast
You can find all of the above information and more at the Environment Agency website.
If you would like to watch a video of the Severn Bore, click here.
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