Not too far from the A48 (Newnham) is Soudley Ponds in the Forest of Dean. This is a lovely dog friendly walk - you can take a short walk around the ponds or extend it by venturing further on the Forestry paths. Please do take notice of the Forestry commission signage. From the large carpark at the far end of the ponds, if you are feeling adventurous, then there is a lovely walk up into the forest, which does eventually come to a view point that looks out over the river Severn - be warned it is quite a long climb but well worth the view when you get there. Parking - there is limited parking in the gateways opposite the Dean Heritage Centre, but if you drive into Soudley and turn right (towards Littledean) there is a larger car park at the top of the ponds. Parking is also available at the Dean Heritage Centre (currently free) then you just have to cross the road to the ponds. Worth parking here as then you can visit the Dean Heritage Cafe.