My Microgap

Have a Microgap in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley!

Want to ‘get off the beaten track’ on home turf this year? Maybe go biking, learn photography or try a spot of forest bathing in ancient forests? Or forage for gin botanicals, paddle down an idyllic river or improve your cooking skills?

All this and more are possible in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley. It’s ideal territory for microgapping, if you can’t get much time off or fork out for a long holiday. Or, maybe you just have an itch to leave town and do something different.

There’s so much to see out there and it’s hard to know where to start so, we’ve made a bucket list of things we’d love to do on a microgap to give you some ideas.

With over 100 miles of pristine rivers (The Wye, The Usk and The Severn), the area offers some of Britain’s best canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding and even tidal river surfing on the Severn Bore.

The Forest of Dean is one of England’s last ancient forests and a true nature’s playground with zip lining, mountain biking, and climbing too. It’s such an inspiring location and often stars on the big screens - from Harry Potter to Star Wars. This is the region where Netflix sensation Sex Education is filmed and covers the three counties of Gloucestershire, Monmouthshire and Herefordshire uniquely spanning both England and Wales.

Here are top #MyMicrogap ideas for the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley:

•             Sleep like a Persian and eat/drink like a king

Escape to nature and sleep in luxury beneath the stars in an alachigh tent (a bit like a yurt) originating from Iran. From your tented home at Penhein Glamping near Chepstow you’re ideally placed for hiking Offa’s Dyke national trail and stopping off at the community run Brockweir & Hewelsfield Village Shop for great coffee, cakes and wifi. For a Ferryman’s lunch of local cheese, pickles and bread head to The Saracen’s Head at Symonds Yat, slap bang on the River Wye. Or, opt to stay close to home for adventures around Penhein including Botanical Gin Foraging and Bushcraft with wild food preparation.

•             Sleep in the shadow of a castle and explore nature’s larder

Head to The Angel Hotel in Abergavenny and check into their cottage in the grounds of Abergavenny Castle. Head out with expert forager Adele Nozedar, author of The Hedgerow Handbook to pick up some tips on how to wild graze. Throw into the ‘mix’ the Angel Bakery for croissants and artisan breads that will please even the fussiest sourdough fan, even outside the town’s famous food festival in September.

•             Surf the mega Severn Bore

The Severn has the third highest tidal range in the world, creating a natural phenomenon known as the ‘Severn Bore’ which is a large surge wave which can be ridden by surfers. And, this year there are several top graded Severn Bores due, so it has never been a better time to come and view this spectacle. There are 5* bores expected during the day on Friday 22nd March (Spring equinox) and during the night on 29th and 30th September (Autumn equinox). The Bore is visible on around 20 miles of river, dissipating and reforming with the wave height reaching a peak around Minsterworth as the river narrows.

•             Wild swimming mapped out for you

Tudor Farmhouse, as well as serving up award-winning food cooked from produce with a 20 mile radius offers wild swimming along the River Wye. They’ve put together a beautifully illustrated map to make it super easy which will have you dreaming of lazy lunches, paddling, picnics and pooh sticks! There are plenty of spots to choose from in the region - whether you’re looking to paddle on a riverside beach at Sellack Bridge near Ross or swim down from Lower Lydbrook to Symonds Yat. Hire a guide or go solo, but make sure you don’t forget your swimmers and pack a picnic from goodies picked up at nearby Forest Deli in Coleford.

•             Float on the Wye

The gently flowing River Wye is ideal for canoe journeys where you can spend a full day or half a day paddle in hand in peaceful surroundings, stopping off for a drink and a bite at a picturesque pub. There is the option to take a multi-day trip with plenty of places to stay such as riverside campsites along the way. Guided canoeing is available if you would like a guide to go along with you, or you can head of on your own and make the journey at your own pace. There are more technical stretches with rapids suited to kayaking or white water rafting, or if you'd like to try something different there's stand-up paddleboarding too.

•             Forest photography and relaxing breaks

Book into your very own magical ancient woodland at Puzzlewood, near Coleford. Rest up in one of the cottages before a day of photographic fun with our local School of Photography run by David Broadbent who will help you go way beyond smart phone snaps. Or, book a special weekend break to fully immerse yourself under the tree canopy harnessing the restorative powers of trees.

•             Take flight in the Forest

The Forest, whether speeding down a trail on a mountain bike, sedately cycling on a tandem or staring up at a stained glass installation on the Sculpture Trail, looks pretty good from the ground. Go one step further and take to the skies with Go Ape and you’ll discover the beauty from a different perspective.

•             Master gourmet vegan or say goodbye to Deliveroo

Harts Barn Cookery School has a host of vegan cookery courses, whether you want to master baking without butter and eggs or get to grips with preparing pulled jackfruit tacos with chipotle mayo. And, for those of you looking to cut the cost of all those Deliveroo orders but still indulge in a Chinese banquet why not hit the region to join a weekend Chinese Takeaway course to master crispy seaweed, duck pancakes and sticky ribs. Yum.