The Forest of Dean

Founded in 1986, the sculpture trail is a partnership between Forestry England and the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trust.

Some of the sculptures are temporary, while others will last for years. They have all been designed to evolve over time as the forest changes around them. Over the years, artists at all stages of their careers have been invited to create artworks for this unique context.

The sculptures on this trail are inspired by the forest - its trees, wildlife and industrial past. The sculptures are mostly constructed from natural material from the Dean - wood, stone and iron. They are interspersed along the trail through majestic oaks and towering Scots pine trees.

There are waymarked shortcuts: Shortcut A (first 6 sculptures) is approx 2.2 miles in length and Shortcut B is 3 miles (first 12 sculptures). 

The Sculptures

You may come across some temporary or decommissioned sculptures on the trail which aren’t marked on the map. Check the Sculpture Trust website for more information.

Audio descriptions of each sculpture are available to download here.

Visitors with permanent or temporary limited mobility can hire one of two ‘Walking with Wheels’  trampers through the Countryside Mobility Scheme.

Trampers are off-road mobility scooters, which are easy to use and able to tackle a range of surfaces and gradients come rain or shine. You do not have to be registered disabled to hire a Tramper.

Our Trampers are suitable for exploring:

Maps of the routes will be provided when hiring.

Hire rates 

Price per Tramper: £2.50 per hour.

If you are not already a member of Countryside Mobility, becoming one is quick and easy and will be part of your induction (£3 for one-off hire, £5 for 2 weeks, £15 for 1 year). You can then use Trampers at around 50 other beauty spots around England.

Book for Mallards Pike and Cyril Hart Arboretum at Speech House, Coleford by calling 01594 822607 Book for Symonds Yat through Forest Holidays by calling 01594 837165

These trampers are provided by the Countryside Mobility Scheme, which is supported by Forest Voluntary Action Forum. Originally started by the Foresters' Forest Heritage Lottery funded programme, the tramper scheme continues thanks to funding from the Barnwood Trust and Forest of Dean Ramblers Association.

Horse riding is welcome in the Forest of Dean on byways, bridleways and hard stone tracks.  

Hard stone tracks, or category one forest roads, are often indicated on ordnance survey maps in white with a broken black outline.

To avoid damage to paths, tracks and to reduce the risk of injury to rider and horse please refrain from riding on paths and soft tracks.

Please be aware the woodlands of the Forest of Dean are part of a shared and working forest, you may encounter vehicles, machinery, walkers and cyclists, at anytime.  Forestry operations take place year round and you may come across signage which indicates you need to stop, be prepared to go back the way you came or change your planned route.

Mapped British Horse Society routes

Flaxley - A 4 mile off-road circular through Flaxley and Hope Wood.

Dymock - The Dymock Greenway comprises approximately 2.5 miles of off-road, waymarked track located within Queens Wood and Hay Wood and 4.5 miles of quiet country lanes and bridleways. 

Blakeney - This is a 12.5 mile route in a figure of 8, an undulating route with some long hills, although not very steep.  

Ride safely

Ensure you always wear a helmet , we recommend wearing hi-vis whilst riding off-road, this allows dog walkers, runners and cyclists to see you from a greater distance.  In the event that you have a fall, you may be seen much sooner and hopefully prevent any injuries from becoming more serious. 

Plan ahead

Before going out on a ride, research where you can and can't ride.  Look into more detail, any roads or tracks you may have to ride before entering the woodland and plan accordingly. Check if the woodland has any restrictions for horse riding. Have a fully charged mobile phone with you in case of emergency.

Be responsible

If you bring your dog with you please ensure it is in sight and close-by at all times.  Take steps to prevent dogs from going up to other people and animals uninvited and always clean up after your dog. Be aware that the forest is full of special wildlife that you might not be able to see.

With a family trail, blue and red graded cross-country trails and a number of more advanced downhill trails, the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre has something for everyone.

Brush up on your off-roading technique with our specially designed skills areas and pump track. Grab your helmet and head into the forest today!

Here are our top tips for a great day out on the trails:

Whilst out on the trails, if you come across any maintenance issues please report them to: fodtrails@forestryengland.uk

Find out more about cycling in the Forest of Dean