It is the perfect day out
Despite loving the countryside, I have to admit it is only recently I have started braving walks in nature with my toddler. While we don’t go as far these days, the slower pace he brings to our walks brings another element to them; it is more about being outside, among nature, enjoying the fresh air, rather than necessarily about the number of steps we have done.
And one of the places I recently tested walking in nature with my son was the stunning Beechenhurst, just under an hour’s drive from Bristol in the Forest of Dean. Parking by the huge playground on a sunny, but cold morning, we started by taking a short walk in the forest.
It wasn’t that busy when we visited mid-week, but I can expect this spot getting quite busy on weekends or during half-term given how much there is to do.
There are plenty of walking trails, ranging from under a mile to the eight-mile Beechenhurst Trail. We went for the “Glade Trail”, which is just over half a mile (but we probably took the wrong turning at more than one occasion).
We got to see some of the sculptures the forest is known for, as well as finding some Stickman characters along the way (my son loved this). Despite having had to carry him on my shoulders more than I would have liked (a 16kg child gets heavy fairly quickly), it still felt like a relaxing, peaceful time.
Furthermore, I enjoyed feeling connected with him in nature, giving us a quiet time together in the middle of the busyness of life.
After an hour or so, we headed back to the playground and cafe area, enjoying a hot drink and a slice of chocolate flapjack. I continue to resent paying for two slices of cake when my plus one is an under three, but I didn’t get to enjoy much of the flapjack as he devoured the yummy treat.
Fuelled up, we then spent about two or three hours in the huge playground. It has a variety of areas, with plenty of things for children to do across different ages, and I would certainly come back.
My son was happy to play on his own – or his new found friends – and let me read in peace, which is where I set the bar these days for a good playground. For when they are older, the forest is also home to an impressive-looking Go Ape; I can’t wait to be able to do these things with him.
After a great morning, we finished off by having a picnic at one of the tables before heading back to Bristol.
Visiting the area during a last-minute stay at a luxury cottage in the Forest of Dean, I also spent some time in the famous Puzzlewood forest – and fell in love. There is certainly plenty to do in this part of the world.