Someone asked for a map so Im posting this link:
http://img176.imageshack.us/my.php?image=bucketfi7.jpg
I show the path that I took from Adso's camp. Head West past the ruins then due South, dropped down and headed West (left). I got the message for Finding Goldberry's Spring which is part of the Old Forest Deed. You cant miss her on the South side of the water just cross the log. Dont forget to pick up the bucket itself after you talk to her. Follow around the woods headed West and then North.
As a level 12 Minstrel nothing aggroed except the spiders and wolves, not even the roots attacked. Once I got the bucket I just ran out-distancing the spiders. There was no water to tread, with almost no danger and finished within 5 minutes. I went back to finish the Wolf-pelts quest since I knew where they were now.
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My opinion is that most of the Old Forest quests are not worth your time. The xp is too low for a group, it is too dangerous to solo and by the time you can kill the mobs (and all the normal adds) the xp really isnt worth it.
I always do Adso area quests for the boar, bear and wolf drops and any Breetown quests I can then kill my way up and down Breefields for crafting items. Then when I reach 15 head to Lonelands for the Farsaken Inn quests.
Good luck
Edited, Sep 12th 2008 2:35pm by agonizer