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We decided to have a day out at Flaxley. It felt adventurous as we headed down the A48 out of Gloucester. We parked near the Church hall and set off. To start we couldn’t find the path, it was hidden and we set off uphill pausing to look over the valley towards home.
Ancient tree
Lime trees in flower, the scent was amazing
Into the forest
Where we found evidence of Wild Boar but didn’t see any
Despite getting lost in this jungle
But then back on the Forest track through Flaxley Woods
We came out Gunns Mill Furnace which was built in 1625. One of many boast furnaces in the Forest of Dean in the 17th Century it is rare and the most complete one that survives.
We passed the Asha centre with its lovely garden
And peeped at the Labyrinth with beautiful seats
Lunch stop at St Anthony’s Well and we dipped our feet hoping to cure all our aches and pains, it was very cold!
More lovely woods as we set off
Past a pumping station now made into houses
Through Green Bottom we head uphill
Then into the wood again to climb Welshbury Iron Age hill fort
With lots of coppiced Lime trees and the odd Yew
Past old plum trees
Across Pudding Hill to Flaxley Abbey and church
We couldn’t go inside the church as it’s Tuesday (Open Wednesday and Sunday afternoons only atm because of Coronavirus.)
Photos and captions by Sue J, uploaded by Sally