Cannop Cycle Centre

This centre which was formerly the site of Cannop Colliery, is the ideal place to begin your cycling day out. As well as hiring bikes, the on site franchise (Pedalabikeaway) also offers refreshments and toilets. The contact telephone number for Pedalabikeaway is 01594 860065.  To find Cannop Cycle Centre and Pedalabikeaway click http://www.pedalabikeaway.co.uk/findus.html

The main car park will be closed from Monday 16th January until work to the area has been completed, this includes resurfacing and new picnic facilities. Works are scheduled to finish by 17th February.  Limited parking will be available on the overflow area.  Please consider using other car parks if you wish to use the Family Cycle Trail and have your own bike, these include Beechenhurst and Cannop Ponds.  The new bridge providing access to the car park will open on the 17th February.  These improvements have been developed in partnership with the 1 South West off road cycling project.  1 South West aims to create an off-road cycling region and provide information allowing people to enjoy adventurous off-road cycing and progress their riding with confidence.   Find out more at www.1sw.org.uk

Cannop Cycle Centre is the starting point for the Forest of Dean Family Cycle Trail which consists of eleven miles of waymarked, surfaced tracks, most of which are on former railway lines. There are now 6 new fun features on the trail which aims to enhance the riding experience, provide great fun for riders of all abilities and be a great introduction to off road cycling.

Two skills areas have been developed.  The easier area can be found on the Family Trail, the other at the start of the single track trails.    These are intended to develop your riding techniques.  Expect to find some challenging features like rocks and berms.

Two single track trails are available for cyclists looking for a more adventurous ride.  the 3 mile red grade (difficult) Freeminer Trail and the 7 mile blue grade (moderate) Verderers' Trail . 

For experienced riders only, there are a number of 'downhill' trails and an uplift service available for transport  to the top of the slopes.  Follow the flyupdownhill link for details.

The dates of the next Mini Downhill events are Sunday 29th January and Sunday 26th February.  Please expect car parking at the site to be limited.  Users of the Family Cycle Trail are advised to park at Beechenhurst Lodge and join the trail from there on these dates.