The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley is famous for the vibrant autumn colours it boasts, offering visitors the best leaf peeping locations in the UK. With a rich mix of native and non-native trees, this region bursts into a spectrum of colours every autumn, making it a paradise for nature lovers and photographers. To help you make the most of the season, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 spots for leaf peeping, complete with details on what makes each location special.
1. Symonds Yat Rock
Symonds Yat Rock is one of the most iconic viewpoints in the area, offering stunning panoramic views over the River Wye and the surrounding woodland. In autumn, the trees below the rock turn a vibrant yellow, creating a striking contrast with the evergreen trees in the distance. This spot is perfect for those looking for both breathtaking views and a peaceful forest atmosphere.
2. The Kymin
The Kymin is a National Trust site that offers sweeping views of the rolling Monmouthshire hills. On a clear day, you can even see the Black Mountains in the distance. In autumn, the fields, hedgerows, and woodlands turn a patchwork of gold, yellow, and green, creating a beautiful contrast to the lush fields below. It’s a more open view compared to other forested spots, providing a different perspective on autumn.
3. Tintern & The Devil’s Pulpit
Tintern Abbey, nestled by the River Wye, is an autumn lover’s dream. The surrounding valley becomes a beautiful landscape of colours, with dense woodland stretching in every direction. For a more adventurous experience, climb up to the Devil’s Pulpit, where legend says the devil tempted monks away from the abbey. From here, you’ll have a perfect vantage point to admire the season’s colours.
4. The Eagle’s Nest
For those willing to tackle the climb, the Eagle’s Nest offers some of the most rewarding views in the area. You can ascend 365 steps to reach the top or take a more gradual zig-zag path. Either way, you’ll be treated to views that stretch from the River Wye to the River Severn, framed by the golden hues of oak, ash, and beech trees below.
5. Wintour’s Leap
This dramatic limestone viewpoint offers spectacular views of the Wye River and the surrounding nature reserve. During autumn, the beech, oak, ash, and cherry trees put on a dazzling display of colours, making Wintour’s Leap a must-see spot for leaf peepers.
6. Puzzlewood
Puzzlewood is a magical woodland that looks straight out of a fantasy novel. The ancient, gnarly trees are at their most enchanting in autumn, when the golden canopy filters light down to the forest floor, which becomes dotted with mushrooms. It’s a place to lose yourself in the magic of nature.
7. New Fancy View & Mallards Pike
New Fancy Viewpoint offers a 360-degree panorama of the autumn landscape, with golden birch and orange beech trees standing out against the dark conifers in the distance. Mallards Pike, just a short distance away, reflects the autumn colours in its calm waters, creating a perfect spot for photographers.
8. Cyril Hart Arboretum
This arboretum is home to over 200 tree species, providing a spectacular array of autumn colours. From the bright yellow tulip trees to the deep red maples, Cyril Hart Arboretum is a favourite for those who want to see a variety of trees in their autumn finery.
9. Beechenhurst & Cannop Ponds
Beechenhurst is a popular hub for walking and cycling, with trails that take you through groves of birch and oak trees that turn golden in autumn. Less than a mile away, Cannop Ponds offers a tranquil spot surrounded by alder trees, which are among the last to turn, extending the leaf peeping season.
10. Goodrich Castle, Kerne Bridge & Coppett Hill
The ancient woodlands above Kerne Bridge can be enjoyed from the medieval ruins of Goodrich Castle or the higher vantage point of Coppett Hill. The sweet chestnuts, beech, oak, and hawthorn trees create a stunning array of autumn colours, making this one of the most picturesque spots in the area.
This top 10 leaf peeping spots showcases the best of autumn in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. Whether you’re looking for panoramic views, peaceful woodland walks, or historic sites surrounded by vibrant colours, you’ll find plenty to explore in this stunning region.
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