The fabled forests of Puzzlewood

Spooky Scowles – The maze of mysterious pathways cut between moss-covered rocks are called Scowles, which are unique to the Forest of Dean and give Puzzlewood its enchanting, magical feel. The rocky, quarry-like archaeological features were formed over millions of years through the exposure of underground cave systems and iron ore mining. Scowles are super-important wildlife habitats, home to primitive plants and ferns, bats and intvertebrates.

Mysterious Treasure Troves – A hoard of hidden coins was found stashed in Scowles by workmen in 1848. More than 3,000 Third Century AD coins carefully placed in earthenware jars provided evidence of Roman occupation at Puzzlewood. Local legend says the ‘booty’ was hidden behind boulders in a cliff face by worried Romans concerned about invasion, which followed the near collapse of their Empire due to civil war, plague and economic depression. Mysteriously, the carefully documented find disappeared. To this day, no-one knows where the coins are concealed.

Unchanged for Centuries – The magical forest has a mile of pathways first laid by a local mine owner in the early 1800s to amuse his family and friends. 100 years later Puzzlewood opened to the public with an honesty box at the gate to raise funds for Clearwell Church. Since then, its mesmerising gulleys of mossy rocks, meandering pathways, bridges and giant trees with huge twisted roots, have remained largely unchanged.

Tolkien’s Inspiration – The Fabled forests of Middle-earth that feature in J.R.R. Tolkien’s books The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are said to be inspired by Puzzlewood. Tolkien was a frequent visitor to the Forest of Dean and worked here during the late 1920s. Pause a while in the glades, close your eyes and listen to the wind rustle the trees above your head and imagine Gandalf the Grey and Saruman the White inhabiting the forest around you. Now open your eyes and look out for elves, orcs and dragons.