Home page Walks photos Archive 2006		southcotswoldramblers.org.uk Forest of Dean tour 7 October 2006 On a beautiful day, Patrick, a keen railway enthusiast, leads us on a tour of the Forest of Dean uncovering lots of history on the way .
		We meet in a car park somewhere in the forest. Patrick waits to brief us on the walk .
		Then we set off along a forest track .
		Pausing to look at stone pillars used to block off old mining shafts .
		Each site is clearly labelled, and here we are on what was Drybrrok Road Station, 4 miles from Drybrook .
		Patrick shows us pictures of the area in the days when the mines were active .
		One of the remaining signs of mining .
		And the old Dilke railway bridge .
		We stop for coffee .
		Then continue our walk, spotting this "Brunel" style railway line now serving as a fence post .
		Before coming to the old Lightmoor colliery, now the site of a sawmill .
		Then we set off along an avenue of trees .
		Spotting more fungi .
		Dedicated snapper at work .
		Eventually reaching the Speech House .
		With a deer on the porch roof! .
		We pause under a giant chair before heading downhill for lunch .
		An eating Rambler is a happy rambler .
		After lunch Patrick stops to show us more photographs .
		And we admire one of the Forest works of art .
		A pause to check the route .
		A rather eerie tree .
		A camera check .
		And another Forest sculpture - Alan is sent through the mud to see what it is made of .
		More fungi in this damp location .
		We stand on Mirystock bridge .
		And look down the old railway line before heading back to the car park .
		The orange route is our 8 mile walk in the heart of the Forest, the heavy lines are old railways, with the Wye at the top of the map and the Severn at the bottom - a fascinating day out .
		Photos and captions from Richard and Mike
		As you can see, we thoroughly enjoy getting to know the South Cotswolds. We try to keep fit and succeed in having a good old chat. If you are interested in coming with us, see our walks programme and ring the leader if you have any questions about a particular walk. After two or three walks we hope you will then want to join the group as part of the national Ramblers' Association.