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Family Cycle Trail


(Average user rating5 unrated 4.2/5)

A waymarked circular route mainly on former railway lines with connecting routes to villages and picnic sites. This route has been especially surfaced and is suitable for all ages and abilities.

The trail starts at the Cycle Centre in the Cannop Valley and it is recommended to ride in a clockwise direction around it.  The trail takes you along the old Severn and Wye railway line passing former stations at Drybrook Road, Cannop Wharf and Speech House. Remnants of former coal mines can be seen at Foxes Bridge, Lightmoor and New fancy.

There are six additional fun features along the main trail, giving riders the opportunity to try soomething a little more technical on their journey around the Forest.

A route card is available from the Forestry Commission's Coleford office for 60p or from Pedalabikeaway and Beechenhurst Lodge.  No horseriding on the trail please.

 

Click here to find out what else you can do in this forest.

How to get there:

Family Cycle Trail can be started from Cannop Cycle Centre in Forest Of Dean. Coleford is the nearest town or village.

Take the B4226 Coleford - Cinderford road and at the crossroads with the B4234, turn north and follow the signs to the Cycle Centre.

OS Grid Reference: SO614120
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

User Comments

4 Stars 4 Stars

Me and my 2 boys have been coming since they had stabalizers They are now 11 & 14 and still love it no matter what their mates say. A couple of signs are a bit hit and miss but we think that adds to the fun. A great place and free. Thank you very much

Dave, 7/Aug/2011
3 Stars 3 Stars

We also managed to get lost on the family trail and ended up at Mirey Stock. There's a sign, not far after White Gates, which is easy to miss/miss-read and this needs sorting. Ironically, when telling our neighbours on the campsite about it, they told us that they had also lost the path and ended up at Mallard's Pike Lake - so there is obviously an issue with signage here that needs addressing.

Spinks, 1/Aug/2011
4 Stars 4 Stars

Contrary to the comment that the family trail is difficult for children we found it was not a problem for our two grandaughters aged 6 and 7 both of whom had only just learnt to ride without stabilisers. We chose to go round in a clockwise direction (recommended). The descent was clearly marked on the map and no problem if you take care and go slowly. My wife and I are over 65 not regular cyclists.

The Adams family, 30/Jul/2011
More user comments

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Family enjoying the waymarked cycle trail

Facilities and Activities

ToiletsParking ChargeInformationEasy AccessRefreshmentsOther Facilities
Cycling

Trail

Grade of trail

Easy

Trail waymarking

yellow

Length of trail

11 miles

Approximate time of trail

2hrs

Open or closed

open

Contact

Forest Of Dean Recreation Ranger
01594 833057
e-mail: dean@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Active woods

What's of interest

An opportunity for the casual cyclist to experience the joys of riding the forest trails. Route cards available for the main trail plus 'The Iron Road' and 'Rally around the Forest'

Useful sites