Forget the stresses and strains of modern life and reconnect with the best that Mother Nature has to offer with the Freedom Awaits itinerary, curated by Visit Dean Wye as part of its new Find Your Freedom campaign, which inspires visitors to enjoy easy experiences for their mind, body and soul in the tranquility of the Forest of Dean. With more than 20 million trees stretching over 200 square miles, this is the perfect spot to let mind, body and soul roam unhindered by 21st Century constraints.

 

It’s the perfect place to practise the Japanese custom of Shinrin-yoku, also known as forest bathing, which involves walking slowly while absorbing the special atmosphere beneath the leafy canopy. Join Carina from Forest Bathe for an expert guide to this mindful activity, with each session rounded off by a foraged tea and healthy snacks.

For a faster way to get around, jump on an e-bike or mountain bike hired from Wye-Bikes and pick up one of several routes: The easiest is the Family Cycle Trail, which follows the Dean’s fully surfaced disused rail network and takes in the ancient forest with multiple staritng points, whilst being especially suited to all ages and abilities, and taken at your own pace, with lots of picnic spots and cafes along the way. For a more thrilling ride for intermediate and experienced cyclists on mountain bikes, try the Verderers’ Trail recently voted the best blue trail in England by Mountain Biking UK.

The Forest of Dean contains many viewpoints that are soul cleansing spots for walking, absorbing the natural beauty of the area and taking photos to cherish. May Hill, near Longhope, is a familiar landmark with its near-circular mound with a crown of trees at its peak. It lies just off the Wysis Way and its wild open spaces offer magnificent 360-degree views across three counties. It’s a spiritual place to experience the sunrise or sunset.

A mindful photowalk with the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley School of Photography is a forensic way to see the trees in all their beauty. This activity seeks to encourage participants to look deeply at their surroundings rather than just take photos, re-tuning the eye to enhance skill and creativity.

Wildlife is the beating heart of the Forest of Dean, with dusk bringing out different species from those that roam during the day. Join Ed Drewitt on a steady-paced walking wildlife safari looking out for tawny owls, kingfishers, fallow deer, mandarin ducks and other more elusive creatures.

For a walk on the wild side with a difference, hook up with a llama at Briery Hill Farm. Llama Trekking with Afternoon Tea is just one of the options on offer from Briery Hill Llamas, which also has pigs, cattle and chickens. Head to the RSPB Nagshead Nature Reserve near Parkend to spot a variety of birds from hides or follow the way-marked trails.

While the Forest is famous for its incredible woodland, it’s also home to the magnificent Rivers Severn and Wye, along with many lakes, streams and ponds. Cast your line into spring-fed waters at Broadstone Fisheries near Coleford, or visit Woorgreens Lake and Nature Reserve to look for dragonflies and birdlife. Sit by the River Wye at Lower Lydbrook and enjoy watching people canoe, kayak and paddleboard – even better with a pint of home-brewed ale from The Forge Hammer and River Spice.

For ultimate relaxation, book a session with Float in the Forest in Whitecroft and ease yourself into a space-age private pod filled with body temperature water saturated with Epsom salts for a feeling of dreamy weightlessness, utter stillness and silence. Emerge feeling calmer in mind, body and spirit.