GPS Cycle and Walking Routes

Daffodil Way

8.70 miles (14 km)

Explore the pretty countryside, orchards and woodland surrounding the village of Dymock on this circular walk in the Forest of Dean. The trail runs for about 9 miles through Dymock Woods and Kempley Green with lots of wild Daffodils to see in early spring. Also look out for bluebells and butterflies in the section through Dymock Woods.
Features on the walk include the 12th century church at Kempley which is well worthy of some investigation.
To extend the walk you could further explore the woods which include Hay Wood and Queen's Wood.
The Poet's Path also runs past Dymock. You could pick this up and enjoy a walk along the river Leadon to Ketford.

Daffodil Way OS Map - Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking

Daffodil Way Open Street Map - Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking

Pubs/Cafes

In Dymock village you can enjoy some post exercise refreshment at The Beauchamp Arms. The pub is unique in that it is one of the few 'Parish owned' pubs in the country. The friendly village inn serves good food with a log fire indoors and a a nice garden area outside. You can find the pub at postcode GL18 2AQ for your sat navs.

Dog Walking

The country and woodland trails are ideal for a dog walk. The Beauchamp Arms mentioned above is also dog friendly.

Further Information and Other Local Ideas

The circular Poets Path walk also starts in the village. The interesting literary walk visits several places associated with the Dymock Poets.

Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby

Photos

Daffodil field just off the Daffodil Way - geograph.org.uk - 769964

Daffodil field just off the Daffodil Way. Looking northwards to Hill Brook Farm

Daffodil Way Footpath - geograph.org.uk - 608138

Horses on the Daffodil Way Footpath. Opened in April, 1988 by Sir Derek Barber. Signposts for the route can also be seen here.

Footbridge on the Daffodil Way - geograph.org.uk - 768718

Footbridge on the Daffodil Way. Looking northwards as the path crosses the brook. Dymock church tower just visible in the distant trees.

Daffodil Way at Dymock - geograph.org.uk - 768743

Dymock View northwards to the village as the path exits the old orchard. The church tower and the Beauchamp Arms across the next field.

The Daffodil Way at Kempley - geograph.org.uk - 769325

A view of the trail at the village of Kempley. Kempley is a very spread out village and it seems that the only reason to put the sign here is that the church is just around the bend (tower can be seen behind the trees). The only other building for half-a-mile here is the vicarage (white building to the right). The village centre is a mile away.

Kempley Church - geograph.org.uk - 1373625

Kempley Church. This historic church is one of the notable features on the trail. It dates back to the 12th century and includes the oldest roof of any building in Britain, dating from around 1120 - 1150. It has in its chancel "the most complete set of Romanesque frescos in northern Europe", including the Christ in Majesty painting created in about 1120. In March the churchyard is very photogenic, often being covered in wild daffodils.

The Vicarage at Kempley on the Daffodil Way - geograph.org.uk - 769332

The Vicarage at Kempley. A fine house, built in 1860 by the 6th Earl Beauchamp, who owned the whole village.

Daffodil Way near Boyce Court - geograph.org.uk - 768432

Near Boyce Court. Looking north-east along the farm track. Boyce Court is to the left.

Video

GPS Files

GPX File

Daffodil Way.gpx (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold>Download Linked File)

Memory Map Route

Daffodil Way.mmo (On Desktop:Right Click>Save As. On Ipad/Iphone:Click and hold >Download Linked File)