The Devil’s Pulpit
There is a lovely walk, local to Tintern, in the Wye Valley, which takes one to the Devil’s Pulpit via Offa’s Dyke Path on the Gloucestershire side of the River Wye. It is a beautiful woodland walk, the paths are well marked and maintained. If it has been wet you will probably (there’s actually no ‘probably’ about it, you will) need the right footwear. There are a few ways to approach the pulpit which is a rocky limestone outcrop and a scenic viewpoint in the Forest of Dean. It is widely known for its views across the River Wye to Tintern Abbey, on the opposite bank of the river, in Monmouthshire, Wales.
Being extremely unfit and loathing anything more strenuous than a molehill, my preferred approach is across the fields from Miss Grace’s Lane in Gloucestershire. Park the car in the Offa’s Dyke car park on the B4228 on the left.
Then cut across the lovely Offa’s Dyke route to Miss Grace’s Lane. On the way you may be fortunate enough to see the Exmoor ponies and Highland cattle that are grazing the land. Once you reach the lane, almost directly opposite is a public footpath which takes you through four fields, then you enter the woodland at the back of the last field. You are almost there!
This way to the pulpit is relatively flat with possibly a gentle incline in the fields if you also return the same way. If approaching from this direction, do be mindful of the farmer’s cattle that may be in the fields (dogs on leads!), also, if it is hot, there is no shade.
The walk approaching from Tintern is across the ancient wireworks bridge over the river Wye, along the end of what is now known as the Greenway track (the old railway track). About 150 metres along this track is a turn off to the left, up a steep rocky path which you need to traverse. If you are cycling, I am afraid you will need to carry your bike up this short stretch. It usually leaves me out of puff and I am not carrying a bike! (It’s actually not that bad, honest! See photo below). From this point, there are several ways in which to get to the pulpit, the one I am familiar with and is more strenuous than a molehill, is sign-posted (I believe – it is a long time since I tried it!).
Here we find the flat plateau of rock named the Devil’s Pulpit. It is possible to climb up onto the rock and view the valley below, dominated by the ruins of the 12th century Abbey. In the hollow behind the rock lies an ancient yew tree, its roots grown into and around a pile of stone. Legend holds that from this plateau, the devil would taunt the monks and occupants of Tintern Abbey below, hence the name.
Why not combine a trip to Stella & Rose’s Books with a walk to the Devil’s Pulpit? It is a stunning view and if you like a challenge, see if you can take a step onto the Pulpit itself (please do not injure yourself trying!). You can see our shop from the viewpoint and also the wireworks bridge in the foreground:
Contributed by Sonia
(Published on 3rd Jun 2025)
