Coleford, Staunton & The Suck Stone
20 people attending
0 places left
8 people waitlisted
Coleford is a small market town in the centre of the Forest of Dean and home to Great Western Railway museum for anyone looking for something to do before or after our walk. In the centre of the town is the unusual site of the clock tower, which was originally associated with a church that was demolished and rebuilt overlooking the town.
We'll start our day by making our way out of town, and following forest paths to the village of Staunton, passing by the stone pound, used for gathering lost sheep with farmers having to pay to have them released. We'll pause for some lunch at the grade 1 listed All Saints Church, and then try and locate John the Baptist's well, or the pub opposite it depending on the groups choice.
From here we'll head up to the first of the large puddingstones of the day, the Buck Stone, where weather dependent there are stunning views as far as the mountains surrounding Abergavenny (not when I was recceing the walk!), then it's time to start heading down towards the River Wye. Our route will take us past the Suck Stone, which is said to be the largest detached boulder of stone in the UK, and up past Near Harkening Rock, before reaching the river. Its then a long but gentle climb back up through the forest before returning to Coleford.
Dogs are welcome on this walk but we will be passing through farm land where they will need to be under control. There are also one or two styles that may prove difficult for larger breeds.
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Photo Credits: All photos taken by James Couldry and permission is granted to OutdoorLads for further use.
What to bring
Water: bring at least two litres
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Boots: waterproof and breathable and designed for hiking NOT trainers. We will be passing by several natural springs where the ground will most likely be muddy.
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: ideally no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Food & drink
A packed lunch and plenty to drink will be essential on this walk. There are shops in Coleford for those last minute supplies. don't forget money for a pint at the end.