Gloucestershire Walks
These walks around Soudley Ponds offer a perfect escape into the heart of the Forest of Dean.
You can enjoy a gentle stroll around the lake, taking in the towering firs and abundant wildlife, or extend your walk through the forest to the Blaize Bailey Viewpoint for stunning panoramas over the River Severn.
A short diversion to the Dean Heritage Centre café is a lovely way to pause and enjoy the scenery.
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Walk information
If you want a short walk around a beautiful lake in stunning surroundings, this is the walk for you. Soudley Ponds is located in the majestic Forest of Dean and this wonderful walk will take you around the lake and through the lush woodland.
With wildlife everywhere, towering fir trees and a landscape that is breathtaking, it's a great place to relax and unwind through nature.
Based on 5 user ratings
An outstanding walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Gloucestershire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
Small car park might be full on a weekend, i came midweek.
Walk information
If you would like to explore the beautiful Soudley Ponds but also venture further into the Forest of Dean, this longer route will offer you a trek through the wilderness and also reward you with some magnificent views.
Like the first walk, you can wander alongside the stunning Soundley Ponds which is a haven for wildlife and then snake through the forest until you reach the Blaize Bailey Viewpoint. Here, you will be rewarded with magnificent panoramic views of the River Severn and beyond.
There is also a short diversion to the lovely cafe at the Dean Heritage Centre for refreshments.
Please note that swimming and dogs are not allowed in the lakes.
Based on 12 user ratings
An outstanding walk
Real feedback from people who have completed this walk using the Gloucestershire Walks app.
First-hand experiences
Blaize viewpoint would be beautiful on a clear day. Very steep hill to this viewpoint. Lovely cafe at the Dean Heritage Centre opposite this walk.
19/4/26 - another regular (ish) walk ticked off. Lovely forest views.
Lovely walk. The first 10minutes of the walk was uphill but after that it was fairly level. Very quiet and paths well maintained. At the end rather than going down the hill to the ponds i carried on with the path and got back to the car park that way, which avoided the steeper downhill and uneven path. Will be doing this walk again.
Clockwise walking is harder due to the hills. Wonderful walk in every way and absolutely beautiful scenery. Pin perfect for the dogs too. Def my fav so far....
A lot of the walk was on great, gravelled pathways but the lower oart walkimg down yowards the heritage centre cuts across and down the forest - would be very slippery
Enjoyable circular walk with a nice cafe. Forest tracks in good condition apart from a footpath near the heritage centre
Peaceful walk around the lakes, first hill climb is a bit tough, especially carrying a back pack full of camera gear. The lakes walk is a breeze and very nice, walk No 2 is a fair bit more strenuous, we definitely feel like weve had a good walk.
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