Walks around the Dean Forest Railway

Parkend

This delightful and typical Forest village is well worth spending some time to walk around, perhaps visiting one of the real ale pubs for some modest refreshment! (Tea, coffee, cold drinks and snacks are usually available from the booking office at Parkend station).   A pleasant short circular walk takes you over the railway station footbridge up to the church (also worth a visit) and into the Forest. For a longer walk, pass the Fountain pub and on to the RSPB Nagshead Nature Reserve. A booklet, Parkend Village Walk, details the historical and other interesting points on the walk in the village and its surrounds, and includes a very useful map and photographs. This can be purchased from Norchard shop or Parkend booking office.

Lydney Junction

For the adventurous, there is an almost 3 mile round trip walk to the remains of Lydney Harbour, with splendid views of the upper Severn Estuary and the Severn Bridges downstream.   From Lydney Junction station turn left down the road toward the mainline station. Cross the mainline and take the side road you can see almost straight ahead (it bears right off the main road which continues through the industrial estate), cross a small bridge and then straight on through a small gate to follow the canal-side footpath. The canal will be to your left.   It is possible to reach the Harbour by following the main road through the industrial estate but we do not recommend it as it does not have a pavement and is used by industrial traffic.

St Mary's Halt

Exit the platform to the right, turn left to walk back along the path behind the platform, under the rail footbridge, and either follow the path along the canal back towards town, or head down towards the lake, or cross over the footbridge to see the parish church.   The bridge is currently closed for repairs but you can get to the church via the footpath from St Mary s Halt to the level crossing on Lydney Bypass.   Click the 'LYDNEY & ST.MARY'S MAP' below for a bigger version: