Path through Puzzlewood, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire

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Pathway to Middle Earth?. An ancient wood with a little Middle Earth magic

Pathways wind through moss-covered rocky gullies, across wooden bridges and between gnarly tree roots here in Puzzlewood in Gloucestershire’s Forest of Dean. Here in this ancient woodland, oak, ash, beech, lime and yew trees live side-by-side, forming a heavy canopy overhead, creating an environment which has proved popular as a location for TV and film productions too, including Star Wars and Doctor Who.

Part of its charm can be found in its unusual, mossy rock formations, known as scowles, formed over millions of years as water eroded limestone here. It is no wonder that (unconfirmed) rumour has it that Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien drew inspiration for the forests of Middle Earth here. Would-be visitors will have to wait to discover it for themselves - Puzzlewood is currently closed due to the coronavirus pandemic.