There’s something magical about walking through ancient woodland when autumn is in full swing. The Forest of Dean, with its rich tapestry of colours and centuries-old heritage, offers some of the most rewarding walks in England – and our recent circular route from Soudley proved to be a perfect autumn adventure.
The Route
Starting from the charming village of Soudley, our walk took us on a scenic 10-kilometre loop that showcased the very best of this historic royal forest. The route led us through varied terrain – from peaceful ponds to elevated viewpoints, and through woodland paths carpeted with fallen leaves in shades of gold, amber, and russet.
View the full interactive route map and link to GPX file
Stage One: Soudley to Blaize Bailey
We set off from Soudley, quickly leaving civilisation behind as we climbed towards Blaize Bailey. This initial ascent rewards walkers with stunning views across the forest canopy, and on this particular day, the autumn foliage created a breathtaking patchwork of colours stretching as far as the eye could see. The crisp air and the satisfying crunch of leaves underfoot set the perfect tone for the day ahead.
Stage Two: Soudley Ponds
From Blaize Bailey, we descended towards Soudley Ponds – a serene spot that’s become one of the forest’s hidden gems. These tranquil pools, once part of the area’s industrial heritage, are now peaceful sanctuaries for wildlife. We paused here to take in the mirror-like reflections of the surrounding trees in the water, their autumn colours doubled in beauty by nature’s own symmetry. The gentle sound of water and birdsong provided the perfect soundtrack to our mid-walk break.
Stage Three: Return Through Soudley
Our return journey took us back through Soudley, giving us a chance to appreciate the village’s character and perhaps contemplate a well-deserved refreshment stop. The Forest of Dean’s rich mining and industrial heritage is evident throughout this area, adding historical depth to the natural beauty.
Stage Four: Mallards Pike
From Soudley, we struck out towards Mallards Pike Lake, another jewel in the Forest of Dean’s crown. This popular recreational area sits in a natural bowl, surrounded by woodland. The lake itself was stunning in the autumn light, and the facilities here (including a café and play area) make it an excellent destination for families. Even in autumn, there were plenty of visitors enjoying the peaceful lakeside setting.
Final Stage: Findall Chimney and Home
The last leg of our journey took us via Findall Chimney, a remnant of the forest’s industrial past. These old ironworks chimneys stand as silent witnesses to the forest’s history, when iron smelting was a major industry here. It’s fascinating to see how nature has reclaimed these industrial sites, weaving them seamlessly back into the woodland landscape.
From here, it was a gentle walk back to our starting point at Soudley, completing a thoroughly satisfying circular route.
Walking with Friends in Autumn Glory
Completing this walk with good friends made it all the more enjoyable. There’s something about autumn rambles that brings out the best in walking companionship – perhaps it’s the shared appreciation of the season’s beauty, or the way the cooler temperatures make for comfortable walking. We found ourselves stopping regularly to admire particularly vibrant trees, to photograph fungal displays, or simply to enjoy the views.
The autumn colours were at their absolute peak during our visit. The Forest of Dean is predominantly oak, beech, and birch woodland, and these species put on a spectacular show in October and early November. The golden beech leaves seemed to glow in the afternoon light, while the oaks provided deeper, richer tones. Mixed among them, the occasional splash of red from a wild cherry or the bright yellow of birch added variety to the palette.
Practical Information
Distance: Approximately 10km (6 miles)
Difficulty: Moderate – some steady climbs but nothing too challenging
Terrain: Woodland paths, some can be muddy after rain
Time: Allow 3-4 hours with stops
Facilities: Available at Soudley and Mallards Pike
Parking: Available at Soudley (near the Dean Heritage Centre)
Watch the Walk
If you’d like to see the route in action and get a better sense of the terrain and views, I’ve put together a video of our walk which you can watch here:
Watch on YouTube: Soudley Ponds and Mallards Pike Walk
Why Walk Here?
The Forest of Dean offers something special – it’s a working landscape with a rich history, yet it’s also a place of outstanding natural beauty. This particular route combines all the elements that make forest walking so rewarding: varied scenery, interesting heritage sites, peaceful water features, and wonderful woodland paths.
Autumn is arguably the best time to visit. The crowds of summer have thinned, the temperatures are perfect for walking, and of course, those colours are simply unforgettable. But honestly, this route would be beautiful in any season – spring bluebells, summer green canopies, or winter’s stark beauty each bring their own magic.
Final Thoughts
As we completed our circuit and returned to Soudley, there was that satisfied tiredness that comes from a good day’s walking – legs pleasantly weary, spirits lifted, and phones full of photos. The Forest of Dean had delivered once again, reminding us why it’s such a special place to explore on foot.
Whether you’re a serious walker looking for your next challenge or someone who simply enjoys a pleasant ramble through beautiful countryside, this Soudley circuit offers something for everyone. Just remember to wear good boots (those woodland paths can be muddy!), bring a camera for those autumn colours, and allow plenty of time to enjoy the scenery.
Happy walking!
Have you walked this route? Do you have a favourite Forest of Dean walk? Share your experiences in the comments below!
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