Daffodil Way
Explore the pretty countryside, orchards and woodland surrounding the village of Dymock on this circular walk in the Forest of Dean. The trail runs for about 9 miles through Dymock Woods and Kempley Green with lots of wild Daffodils to see in early spring. Also look out for bluebells and butterflies in the section through Dymock Woods.
Features on the walk include the 12th century church at Kempley which is well worthy of some investigation.
To extend the walk you could further explore the woods which include Hay Wood and Queen's Wood.
The Poet's Path also runs past Dymock. You could pick this up and enjoy a walk along the river Leadon to Ketford.
Daffodil Way Ordnance Survey Map 
- view and print off detailed OS map
Daffodil Way Open Street Map 
- view and print off detailed map
Daffodil Way OS Map 
- Mobile GPS OS Map with Location tracking
Daffodil Way Open Street Map 
- Mobile GPS Map with Location tracking
Pubs/Cafes
In Dymock village you can enjoy some post exercise refreshment at The Beauchamp Arms. The pub is unique in that it is one of the few 'Parish owned' pubs in the country. The friendly village inn serves good food with a log fire indoors and a a nice garden area outside. You can find the pub at postcode GL18 2AQ for your sat navs.
Dog Walking
The country and woodland trails are ideal for a dog walk. The Beauchamp Arms mentioned above is also dog friendly.
Further Information and Other Local Ideas
The circular Poets Path walk also starts in the village. The interesting literary walk visits several places associated with the Dymock Poets.
Cycle Routes and Walking Routes Nearby
Photos
Daffodil field just off the Daffodil Way. Looking northwards to Hill Brook Farm.
The trail meanders through the "Golden Triangle" of Dymock, Kempley, and Oxenhall on the Gloucestershire and Herefordshire borders. In addition to the iconic wild daffodils, the trail passes through ancient woodlands, meadows, and traditional orchards. These habitats support a variety of plant life, including bluebells, primroses, and wood anemones in the spring. The traditional orchards along the route are home to a range of fruit trees, which bloom beautifully in the spring months.
Horses on the Daffodil Way Footpath. Opened in April, 1988 by Sir Derek Barber. Signposts for the route can also be seen here.
The diverse habitats along the Daffodil Way support a rich array of wildlife. Birdwatchers may spot species such as woodpeckers, nuthatches, and treecreepers in the woodlands, while buzzards and kestrels are commonly seen soaring above open fields. The meadows and hedgerows provide habitat for small mammals like hedgehogs and voles. Traditional orchards are important habitats for amphibians, mammals, birds, bats, and more, which not only forage and feast upon the fruits and flowers, but upon the insects that thrive in these environments.
Footbridge on the Daffodil Way. Looking northwards as the path crosses the brook. Dymock church tower just visible in the distant trees.
Dymock View northwards to the village as the path exits the old orchard. The church tower and the Beauchamp Arms across the next field.
The trail offers more than natural beauty; it also provides a glimpse into the area's cultural heritage. The village of Dymock is associated with the Dymock Poets, a group of early 20th-century writers who were inspired by the local landscape. St. Mary's Church in Dymock houses a permanent exhibition devoted to these poets. Additionally, Kempley Old Church, a 12th-century building along the route, is renowned for its well-preserved medieval frescoes.
A view of the trail at the village of Kempley. Kempley is a very spread out village and it seems that the only reason to put the sign here is that the church is just around the bend (tower can be seen behind the trees). The only other building for half-a-mile here is the vicarage (white building to the right). The village centre is a mile away.
Kempley Church. This historic church is one of the notable features on the trail. It dates back to the 12th century and includes the oldest roof of any building in Britain, dating from around 1120 - 1150. It has in its chancel "the most complete set of Romanesque frescos in northern Europe", including the Christ in Majesty painting created in about 1120. In March the churchyard is very photogenic, often being covered in wild daffodils.
The Vicarage at Kempley. A fine house, built in 1860 by the 6th Earl Beauchamp, who owned the whole village.
Near Boyce Court. Looking north-east along the farm track. Boyce Court is to the left.