Highbury Wood National Nature Reserve
Highbury Wood National Nature Reserve
4.5
(1993)
15,612
hikers
502
hikes
Hiking in Highbury Wood National Nature Reserve offers a diverse landscape characterized by ancient woodlands, varied terrain, and its location on the eastern bank of the River Wye. The reserve forms part of the Wye Valley, featuring a mix of woodland types, open meadows, and grasslands. Trails here navigate through a canopy of oaks and beeches, with some areas providing views across the forest-clad landscape. The area includes sections of historical routes like Offa's Dyke Path.
Last updated: May 19, 2026
5.0
(1)
24
hikers
7.55km
01:59
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
6
hikers
5.35km
01:39
200m
200m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4
hikers
6.76km
01:56
160m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
45
hikers
5.01km
01:24
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.0
(1)
4
hikers
6.60km
01:51
140m
140m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Great section of track linking Whitebrook and Redbrook, waterfalls line the route. Stop at the Boat Inn Redbrook for refreshments 😊
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Boat Inn, view from Redbrook footbridge. Lovely pub with nice selection of siders and ales.
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The old Wye bridge has been closed for ages.
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Single width lane climb up from Whitecliff from the Coleford/Newland Road. Around 1 mile long and a steady 6% gradient with a rewarding view at the end far reaching to the Brecon Beacons, also a great to take in sunset/ rise.
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Right next to the bridge is the pub "The Boat Inn", which is a great place to stop for a bite to eat. It's only a short detour to the pub from Offa's Dyke Path.
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The section is one of the many wooded areas incorporated into the Forest of Dean. The forest was designated the first national forest park in 1938. Today it is a wildlife haven and very popular with tourists. It is still a working forest, producing sustainable timber for the UK market.
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Highbury Wood National Nature Reserve offers a wide selection of easy hiking trails. You'll find over 260 easy routes, making it an ideal destination for relaxed strolls and family outings.
The easy trails in Highbury Wood National Nature Reserve primarily wind through ancient woodlands, featuring well-maintained paths. You'll experience a mix of diverse woodland types, some gentle slopes, and occasional pockets of open meadows and grasslands. The terrain is generally suitable for all skill levels.
Yes, several easy trails allow you to experience the region's rich history and natural beauty. A prominent section of Offa's Dyke Path, an ancient earthwork, runs through the wood, with a National Trail following its route. The reserve is also known for its ancient woodlands, some with trees over 300 years old, and diverse flora.
Absolutely. The reserve's gentle paths and well-maintained trails are ideal for family outings. Many routes offer leisurely strolls through the woods, providing a safe and enjoyable environment for children to explore nature. Consider routes like The Boat Inn – Penallt Viaduct loop from Redbrook, which is relatively short and follows the river.
Highbury Wood National Nature Reserve is generally dog-friendly, but it's important to keep dogs under control, especially due to the diverse wildlife and ground-nesting birds. Always check specific trail signage for any restrictions and ensure your dog is on a lead where required.
The reserve is beautiful year-round. Spring offers vibrant displays of bluebells and wild garlic, while autumn showcases stunning foliage. Summer provides a cool canopy, and winter offers crisp, quiet walks. The well-maintained trails are generally accessible in most weather conditions.
Yes, many of the easy trails are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end in the same location. Examples include The Boat Inn – Redbrook Gravel Path loop from Redbrook and The Boat Inn loop from Redbrook, both offering varied scenery.
Parking is available in and around nearby villages like Redbrook, which serves as a common starting point for many trails. Specific car parks may be available, and it's advisable to check local signage for parking regulations.
The easy trails in Highbury Wood National Nature Reserve are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful ancient woodlands, the well-maintained paths, and the opportunity to experience historical features like Offa's Dyke Path.
The village of Redbrook, a common starting point for many trails, offers amenities such as The Boat Inn. You can find places for refreshments and meals there after your hike.
The varied habitats of Highbury Wood support abundant wildlife. Hikers might spot deer, hear woodland birds, and observe butterflies and dragonflies. The reserve is also important for dormice and rare molluscs, and you might see scrub-nesting birds like blackcap and garden warbler.
Public transport options to the Highbury Wood area may be limited. It's recommended to check local bus services that connect to nearby villages like Redbrook. For detailed information on public transport routes and schedules, local transport authority websites are the best resource.


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