Newnham - Littledean - Newnham

Sean Meek

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Newnham is an attractive village, with a tree-lined main street and a prominent clock tower in the centre. Located at the head of the Severn's horseshoe bend, the village was once an important port, until the Gloucester - Sharpness canal opened in 1827, which cut straight across the horseshoe bend.

Located on the edge of the Forest of Dean, Littledean is well-known for its former jail, known as the 'Alcatraz of the Forest', which is now a museum, well worth a visit, but not for the faint-hearted!

The walk starts from Newnham, at a viewpoint as marked on the Ordnance Survey. And yes, there is a great view here where you can appreciate the huge expanse of the river, but this is by no means the best view you will get. The walk very quickly moves away from the low-lying flat area surrounding the Severn Estuary and starts climbing towards the Forest of Dean. You will get occasional good views behind you on the way to Littledean and then at the far side of Littledean, probably the best view to be seen anywhere of the Severn's horseshoe bend. The photo can only show part of the view - you have to go there to appreciate it fully.

The walk can be challenging in places, with difficult stiles and a short stretch of fairly busy road with no pavement, but it is all passable with care and is well worth the effort.

England - South West England - Gloucestershire - Severn Estuary