The Royal Forest of Dean, one of England’s last remaining ancient forests, lies between the Rivers Wye and Severn, and enjoys a unique charm and character. Apart from its natural beauty it has a wealth of industrial heritage, with a rich history of mining and quarrying. We could not accommodate everyone who wanted to join this tour in 2007, so have arranged a repeat visit.

OUTLINE ITINERARY
Monday) We leave the island and trundle towards Gloucestershire, arriving at our hotel late afternoon.
Tuesday) We visit Clearwell Caves, where iron ore has been mined for centuries, followed by a visit to the nearby narrow gauge Perrygrove Railway, and hopefully, the Great Western museum at nearby Coleford.
Wednesday) We spend a day at the Dean Forest Railway, with our own specially chartered train. This will be the archetypal Great Western branch line Autocoach
with 0-4-2 tank nr 1450. There will be plenty of photographic opportunity, with run pasts, footplate rides and signal box visits etc.
Thursday) A day to enjoy the beautiful Wye Valley between Chepstow and Monmouth, with a refreshment stop at Tintern old station en route, and a further stop at Symonds Yat.
Friday) Time to journey home.

OUR HOTEL
We have chosen the 3 star Speech House Hotel in the heart of the Forest of Dean, which was built in 1676 as a hunting lodge for Charles II. It was soon recognized as the administrative center of the Forest, and the largest room became the Verderers’ Court. It became the place one went to talk or to make a speech – hence the name “Speech House”.
Tour price is £499 to include travel by vintage motor coach, four nights dinner bed and breakfast hotel accommodation, and admissions and train charter as outlined. A LIMITED number of single rooms are available at no supplement.
Deposit £50 per person to confirm bookings please. Insurance for this tour is available at £18 per person.