Puzzle Woods by munki-boy

Puzzlewood

In Puzzlewood you will find strange rock formations, secret caves and ancient trees, which have kept locals guessing for centuries as to what could have created such a unique and eerie landscape, aptly named Puzzlewood.

Geologists have now started solving the mystery of how this unique natural landscape was formed. The geological feature here are known as Scowles. Scowles originate through the erosion of natural underground cave systems formed in the limestone many millions of years ago. Uplift and erosion caused the cave system to become exposed at the surface.

Puzzlewood was then used by Iron age settlers through to Roman times for the extraction of Iron Ore. Evidence of Roman occupation is supported by the discovery of over 3000 3rd Century AD Roman coins found in Puzzlewood. Once the Romans left, nature reclaimed the old workings with moss and trees, to create the unique landscape. The historical use soon became forgotten, and the folklore of Puzzlewood began.

Created: 31  July  2021  Edited: 29  November  2023

Rock Formations in Puzzlewood
Lookout in Puzzlewood

Puzzlewood Information

Puzzlewood Address

Perrygrove Rd, Coleford GL16 8QB, UK

GL16 8QB

Website: http://www.puzzlewood.net/

Get directions

Local History around Puzzlewood

There are some historic monuments around including:

Cross in All Saints' churchyardOffa's Dyke: section 65m north of Brook HouseOffa's Dyke: section on St Briavels Common, 90m north of The CherriesOffa's Dyke: section in Wyeseal Wood, 600m north of Gumbers Land BarnOffa's Dyke: section on St Briavels Common, immediately south of SittingreenScowles in Dingle Wood 560m north west of Scowles FarmRoman Villa at Clearwell FarmMotte and bailey castle at English BicknorOffa's Dyke: section in Highbury Plains, 370m west of Birt's BarnOffa's Dyke: section on St Briavels Common, 230m north of Hudnalls FarmRedbrook Incline Overbridge Whitecliff Iron WorksDark Hill iron works and brickworks complex and Bear 220m south and 200m south east of Yew Tree CottageScowles in Blake's Wood 870m north west of Scowles FarmOffa's Dyke: section in Highbury Wood, 460m west of Glyn FarmOffa's Dyke: section on St Briavels Common, 100m south east of Hill FarmKing Arthur's Cave, Great DowardGanarew CrossOffa's Dyke: section 800m south west of Stowfield FarmStaunton crossMerlin's Cave, Great DowardOffa's Dyke: section in Mocking Hazell Wood, 400m south of Lindors FarmOffa's Dyke: section in Church Grove, 240m south west of Ferney LeazeScowles in the north of Blake's Wood 620m south east of Church FarmOffa's Dyke: section on St Briavels Common, 220m east of Upfield HouseOffa's Dyke: section 330m south west of Stowfield FarmOffa's Dyke: section on St Briavels Common, immediately west of The FieldsOffa's Dyke: section immediately north west of Coxbury FarmTitanic Steel Works 230m south west of Yew Tree CottageOffa's Dyke: section on St Briavels Common, 190m west of Hudnalls FarmSymonds Yat promontory fortVillage cross at ClearwellOffa's Dyke: section on St Briavels Common, 400m east of Yewgreen FarmOffa's Dyke: section at Birchfield CottageOffa's Dyke: section 470m west of Wyegate BarnTower keep castle on Little Camp HillMotte Castle 57m south-west of Church of St Mary MagdaleneOffa's Dyke: section immediately south of Coxbury FarmOffa's Dyke: section in Victuals Grove, 230m north of Beaconsfield CottageVillage cross at AylburtonCamp NE of StoweOffa's Dyke: section in St Margaret's Grove, 170m north east of Gumbers Land BarnLittle Doward CampOffa's Dyke: section 650m south west of Stowfield FarmSt Briavel's CastleOffa's Dyke: section 340m south east of Coxbury FarmOffa's Dyke: section in Highbury Plains, 770m south west of Glyn FarmLittle Hadnock Roman Villa, Dixton Newtown Camp Hill promontory fort and Romano-British temple complex.

Puzzlewood map

Puzzlewood UK Map