merlinlocations | The Amazing Hedge Puzzle (Reply)

The Amazing Hedge Puzzle features the Jubilee Maze, planted over twenty years ago by brothers Lindsay and Edward Heyes, using the 'Labyrinth of Love' design.

how it's used in Merlin

The Maze forms the basis of the labyrinth in the episode The Labyrinth of Gedref - though the actual Maze is a lot smaller than what you see on the show! There was obviously a fair amount of CGI used to enhance and expand what was filmed. In the show, the labyrinth forms the first part of Arthur's final test: he must find his way through to the end. But Anhora also uses the labyrinth to capture Merlin, and set up the second part of Arthur's test.

the place itself

The Maze is on the edges of the Forest of Dean, near the border with Wales.

While the Maze is quite small, it is interesting, and the location includes a Museum of Mazes. Lindsay Heyes was there on the day I visited with

babydracky and he was more than happy to talk about the day of filming, and the boys; he hopes the show will return for a future episode.

There had been a severe thunderstorm just before filming, and it was still very wet and windy, which interrupted the action throughout the afternoon. Lindsay said that they filmed the scene where Uther and Arthur are examining the dead crops on a hill near the Maze; the thunderstorm had already destroyed the crop, so there was no need for further special effects.

links and details

the official site for the Maze including a mention of Merlin
the Wikipedia entry about mazes
article on the filming in the Hereford Times including a photo of the boys
the tourist info site for the Forest of Dean
the location on Google Maps

The address is: The Amazing Hedge Puzzle, Symonds Yat West, Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire HR9 6DA, England.

It is strongly recommended that you approach Symonds Yat West from the A40 which runs between Ross-on-Wye and Monmouth. The roads between Symonds Yat West and Symonds Yat East are very narrow and steep! The Maze is opposite the Old Court Hotel, and shares a carpark with the Wye Valley Butterfly Zoo and other attractions.

rating

Well, to be honest, I wouldn't recommend a trip just to see the Maze, but it's in the same area as other Merlin locations, so I'd definitely suggest including it in a larger itinerary. Plus, Lindsay was a delight to talk to, and seemed to understand our attraction to the pretties! In fact, the first thing he said to me was, 'Yes, Colin's eyes really are that blue.' So as I swoon yet again, I award the Maze four pointy hats instead of only three…