Staunton Mega Stones Trail

Staunton is a tiny village surrounded by Highmeadow Woods, owned by the Forestry Commission. Over twenty different species of trees can be identified, and the woods support a wide variety of wildlife. The Forest of Dean was once a Royal Hunting Forest and fallow deer are a reminder of one of the species of wild beasts which were hunted to provide sport for kings. There are two herds of fallow deer in Highmeadow Woods around the area of Staunton. They are extremely timid creatures, but if they are approached from up wind you might catch a glimpse of them.

The main feature to be visited on the walk are some large boulders of conglomerate rock, which over the years have become local items of curiosity. The walk leads through mixed woodland and well trodden, easy to follow paths. There are a couple of brief ascents involved, but they are not too steep.

The Buck Stone, situated at a point 915 feet (379 metres) above sea level, on an escarpment of quartz conglomerate, is a large hunk of rock that at one time used to live up to its name and would rock if pushed in a certain direction. In 1885, a troop of acrobats visiting Monmouth went up to Staunton on 10th June to visit the Buck Stone and managed to rock it so violently that it fell off its pedestal and shattered into pieces in the field below. There was a local outcry at this act of vandalism, and it was subsequently repaired and replaced at a cost of £500, but unfortunately, its former equilibrium could not be restored.

Local belief has it that the Buck Stone was once a sacred Druid site, and that a nearby hollowed stone was used for sacrifices. Also, anyone who walks around the stone three times as the sun rises may be granted a wish. The view from here is quite extensive, taking in the Wye Gorge and the Forest of Dean. In particular, the Newland meander, which is one of the largest abandoned meander channels on the River Wye, can be seen.

Further along, you will reach the enormous overhanging rock called near Hearkening Rock. It was once a favourite listening point used by the forest gamekeepers who would come here to listen for poachers who might be operating in the surrounding woods.

The Suck Stone is an enormous conglomerate boulder, said to be one of the largest boulders to be found in England and Wales. It weighs in excess of 30,000 tons.

Standing on a hilltop, Staunton Church has a 14th century central tower and spire. Beside the road, in the churchyard, are the remnants of an impressive preaching cross. There are two fonts in the church, one dates from the 15th century, and the oldest one has been carved from a Roman altar stone by a Norman Mason. The 15th century stone pulpit is reached by a winding staircase, which once led to the roof loft.