New Fancy View and Old Railway Paths

New Fancy View is one of the Forest of Dean's finest viewpoints, a former coal mine spoil heap that now rises above the tree canopy to give sweeping panoramas across the forest. This 8km circuit climbs to the viewpoint before dropping onto the old railway paths that crisscross the forest, following the level trackbeds of lines that once hauled coal and timber through the Dean. The contrast between the elevated viewpoint and the shaded, enclosed railway cuttings gives the walk two distinct characters. The forest here has a strong industrial heritage, with old mine workings, tramways and stone sleepers visible along the trails, layered beneath the woodland that has reclaimed the landscape.

This dog friendly walk offers moderate off-lead potential on the quieter railway paths, with the wide, flat surfaces giving dogs room to range freely. The woodland sections provide year-round scent interest from leaf litter, fungi and the damp earth of the forest floor, and the old railway cuttings create sheltered corridors even on blustery days. Livestock risk is low within the forest. The climb to New Fancy View involves some steeper gradients that provide good exercise, while the railway return is easy and level. Parking is available at the viewpoint car park. The Speech House Hotel nearby welcomes dogs, and the forest has numerous picnic spots along the old railway lines.