Leaf peeping and road tripping are a popular combination in the United States, but until now this phenomenon had only really begun to make its way across the water to Britain. Wye Valley and Forest of Dean Tourism changed this today by launching the UK’s first official leaf peeping drive in a bid to make this region the UK’s leaf peeping capital.
Symonds Yat is one of the leaf peeping drive's Wye Valley highlights.
You can now follow an online guide to exploring the famously picturesque region covering sections of Gloucestershire, Herefordshire and Monmouthshire when more than 20 million trees are in fall color. A 50-mile trail takes you between ten ‘hotspots’, first leading through dense woodland from Symonds Yat Rock to The Kymin viewpoint before following the riverbanks of the Wye to Tintern Abbey. From here, the trail takes you into the Forest of Dean where miles of forest roads take in more than 200 different tree species. The trail finishes as you cross the Kerne Bridge back at the River Wye.
The trail takes you along forest roads with more than 200 different tree species.
These hotspots were identified under the guidance of the region’s ‘Chief Leaf Peeper’, the tree specialist and woodland advisor, Paul Rutter, who will also be on hand to give expert foliage advice. “This region has one of the UK’s finest displays of foliage for the autumn which makes it perfect for leaf peepers,” he enthuses. “It is the time to embrace the changing seasons and celebrate the important role that trees play on our planet. They are fascinating and we still have so much to learn about their ecosystems and the connections they have to other life-forms is totally understated.” The guide includes a series of short walks by the woodland expert.
The boutique hotel Tudor Farmhouse has created a Leaf Peepers Fizz cocktail for the trail.
Local businesses are also getting involved. The owner of Wharton Cottages near Ross on Wye is renaming her properties the Leaf Peeping Cottages, Eastnor Pottery is now running leaf themed clay modelling workshops, Parva Farm Vineyard is matching wines to leaves on vineyard walks, and the award-winning boutique hotel Tutor Farmhouse has created a Leaf Peepers Fizz cocktail. The Forest Therapy guide Carina Greenwood is then hosting forest bathing workshops, Harts Barn Cookery School is offering a series of ‘forage and feast’ sessions, and renowned photographer David Broadbent is hosting workshops in capturing the best of fall’s changing colours throughout the season.
For an even richer experience, this trail can also be combined with fall events such as the Forest Showcase Food Festival on October 6th, which brings together the best food and drink producers in the region, and Cider Making at Humble by Nature a few days later.
Where to Stay
Set out on a fall foraging trip from Tudor Farmhouse.
Some of the region’s luxury hotels are enhancing the leap peeping experience. Former 17th-century hunting lodge, The Speech House Hotel is offering Autumn Leaves Explorer stays, combining accommodation and hearty dinners with fall activities, and the cozy boutique hotel Tudor Farmhouse is hosting seasonal guided Foraging Trips with courses led by expert forager, Raoul van den Broucke.
To create your own itinerary, go over to the new Leaf Peeping Guide.
