Scowles

Settlement in Gloucestershire Forest of Dean

England

Scowles

Scowles is a small village located in the Forest of Dean district of Gloucestershire, England. Nestled within the beautiful Wye Valley, it is situated about 4 miles northeast of the town of Coleford. Scowles is known for its rich industrial history and stunning natural landscapes.

One of the prominent features of Scowles is its unique geological formations, known as scowles. These are ancient cave systems formed by the extraction of iron ore. The caves are characterized by their intricate network of tunnels and chambers, which attract geologists and cave enthusiasts from all over the world.

The village itself is home to a small population, with a close-knit community that takes great pride in its heritage. Scowles is surrounded by lush greenery, with dense woodlands and rolling hills providing a picturesque backdrop. The area is known for its diverse wildlife, making it a popular spot for birdwatching and nature walks.

Scowles offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors and locals alike. The nearby Wye Valley provides opportunities for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, with numerous trails to explore. For those interested in history, the Clearwell Caves, a former iron ore mine, offer a fascinating glimpse into the area's industrial past.

Despite its small size, Scowles is well-connected to neighboring towns and cities. The village has a few amenities, including a local pub and a village hall that hosts community events. Scowles is a charming and peaceful destination, offering a perfect escape for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

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Scowles Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.792996/-2.637954 or Grid Reference SO5610. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

B4228 at Perrygrove

Colin Pyle

Newland Almshouses

With the magnificent cross in the foreground

Deborah Tilley

The Ostrich, Newland

An ancient inn from the 17th century. Many of the occupants of the centuries old graves opposite could well have drunk there!

Deborah Tilley

Newland Parish Church

The 'cathedral of the forest'

Deborah Tilley

Traffic lights at crossroads in Coleford

Viewed from Tufthorn Avenue which crosses the B4228 Old Station Way ahead.

Jaggery

Junction of Tufthorn Avenue and Old Station Way, Coleford

The sign alongside the B4228 Old Station Way on the right shows ½ (mile) to the town centre, 7 to Monmouth, 13 to Ross-on-Wye and 21 to Gloucester.

Jaggery

Foundation stone at the Lucozade Ribena Suntory factory

Dr Vernon Charley (1906-76) was born in Blakeney SO6707 and studied Chemistry at Bristol University. Whilst working at the university's agriculture and horticulture research station at Long Ashton, he was regularly "borrowed" by the neighbouring soft drinks company H W Carter & Co. For them he developed the blackcurrant cordial launched as Ribena in 1938. He was probably instrumental in the choice of Coleford, in his native forest, as the site of Carter's new factory for Ribena after World War Two. H W Carter was bought by the Beecham group in 1955, subsequently becoming part of GlaxoSmithKline who sold the brand to Suntory of Japan in 2013. The site still makes Ribena and now Lucozade too. Vernon Charley was a Baptist lay preacher, organist and often a source of spontaneous fun to those around him. One of his two children was my mother, Gillian (1934-2017).

Rosie Hodson

Way north out of Newland

Chris Brown

Newland churchyard, south side

Newland was a failed mediaeval new borough and the way houses face formally on to the churchyard is a remnant of its planning. The south side, Almshouses Road seen here, is the most formal and also partly screens the grandest view. The Lecturage on the left, the Jones Almshouses to the right.

Chris Brown