How to Make the Most of Leaf Peeping with Reduced Mobility
We want to make sure those with reduced mobility can still get out and enjoy exploring the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley!
Of course Leaf Peeping can be enjoyed without ever leaving the car along our specially designed 50 mile drive that passes through the varied and changing autumn scenery. Hotspots such as the Cyril Hart Arboretum and Mallards Pike have good wheelchair access as well and many of our footpaths are flat and even making wheelchair journeys into woodland possible.
Also the region is now even more accessible with the introduction of all-terrain electric trampers that are available to hire from various sites in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley as part of the Walking with Wheels project, find out more here. They can be hired from near two of our Leaf Peeping hotspots - Symonds Yat Rock and the Cyril Hart Arboretum.
How to Have a Car-free Leaf Peeping Experience
Gloucester has a mainline train station with direct links to London, Manchester, Cardiff and other UK cities. Regular buses can be caught from Gloucester into the heart of the forest and connected to routes that pass near Leaf Peeping hotspots such as the Cyril Hart Arboretum and Beechenhurst. There is also a service running to Ross-on-Wye to connect with services running through the Wye Valley and Leaf Peep from the banks of the river.
Lydney is a small town on the edge of the Forest of Dean with a mainline train station. From here a heritage railway line the Dean Forest Railway can be caught where it is possible to Leaf Peep from the comfort of your own carriage being pulled by a steam train. It is a 15-minute journey from Lydney along 4.5 miles of track in to the heart of the forest at Parkend which is surrounded by beautiful ancient woodland perfect for a Leaf Peeping escape. Alternatively, enjoy the full 1.5 hour round journey without ever leaving the carriage. There is also a bus station in Lydney with services running into the forest.
Chepstow is a town at the mouth of the River Wye with a train station and a regular bus service running from Chepstow down to Tintern, one of our Leaf Peeping hotspots, and alongside the meandering Wye to the town of Monmouth.
To find out more about the public transport links in the region and to access local bus times head to our travel page here.
Discover the rest of our Leaf Peeping guide:
Leaf Peeping Hotspots
Leaf Peeping Drive
Leaf Peeping Walks
Leaf Peeping Escapes
Leaf Peeping Experiences
Leaf Peeping Feasts
Leaf Peeping Crafts
Junior Leaf Peepers
Meet our Chief Leaf Peeper
Leaf Peeping Photography Tips
Accessible Leaf Peeping
Autumn in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley unveils a breathtaking tapestry of warm hues. As leaves gracefully cascade, the woodlands transform into a vivid mosaic of russet and gold. The Wye River mirrors nature's artistry, while the crisp air carries the essence of harvest, creating a serene and enchanting seasonal retreat. Find out about all the best ways to enjoy the autumn months in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.
