Alex's First Area

Alex's e-mail says he is in the Forest of Dean; Here is the description of it:
Slipping westwards, Gloucestershire's borders enfold the beautiful Forest of Dean where restored Steam trains take you on a magical journey deep into the secret shaded bowers of a forest which was once the hunting ground of kings. Offa's Dyke Path, follows the snaking waters of the beautiful River Wye, and at the forest edge lie Clearwell Caves where there is an excellent visitors centre selling Ochre that is produced on site to this day. At Lydney, on the other side of the forest near to the River Severn stands Lydney Park, a lovely Victorian House with an Arts and Crafts style garden. In the grounds of Lydney Park visitors can see the Lydney Roman Temple, this covers an Iron-Age fort which has a 50ft mine shaft running below the ground. Interestingly, this site was worked upon by the author J.R.R. Tolkien who was doubtless inspired to write his famous trilogy by the endless mythical tales and legends surrounding the site. The Roman Temple is a superb vantage point for wonderful uninterrupted views towards the River Severn and beyond.