Longhope - Abenhall - Flaxley - Longhope

Sean Meek

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Starting from Longhope, much of this walk on the edge of the Forest of Dean is through woodland, some of it quite thick, as you would expect, but there are also some more open areas of the walk across fields. Pool Hill is climbed, where you are rewarded with great views over towards Mitcheldean. The walk descends to Abenhall, a small but attractive village, then heads for Flaxley along the bottom of a valley, across fields surrounded by woodland, or through the woodland itself, following a stream much of the way.

Flaxley is another attractive village, larger than Abenhall. It is hard to imagine now as you walk through, but it has a strong industrial past, notably of iron furnaces, forges and water mills. It is also well-known for its Cistercian Abbey, which can be seen on the walk, approaching the village. It was founded in 1148 and survived until the Dissolution in 1536, when it became a mansion. The gateway chapel to the abbey became what is now the church, although this was rebuilt in 1856. From Flaxley, the walk starts climbing. At the top of the hill there are views to the horseshoe bend of the River Severn and beyond. It then heads into woodland for much of the rest of the walk.

England - South West England - Gloucestershire - Forest of Dean