Family Cycling & The Forest of Dean Family Cycle Trail

The Forest of Dean Family Cycle Trail is a circular 9 mile off-road cycling route around this beautiful ancient forest, well signposted and easy to follow, ideal for all ages and a great way to explore the Forest of Dean on two wheels.

Download a PDF map of the family cycle trail here.

The most well known starting point for the trail is The Forest of Dean Cycle Centre at Cannop, bikes can be hired from here and there is a cafe, toilets, parking and a shop. However as the route is circular it can be begun from many easily accessible locations and if you are staying in the area you can even begin it from your holiday accommodation avoiding having to get into the car.

Some of the paths on the trail are former railway lines so are long, straight and flat and the whole route has been especially surfaced so is ideally suited for all ages and abilities. The route passes through many highlights of the Forest including Cannop Ponds, the Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst, the lake at Mallards Pike and several collieries as well as passing close to a number of towns and villages with connecting routes if you are staying nearby. Part of the trail takes you along the old Severn and Wye railway line passing former stations at Drybrook Road, Cannop Wharf and Speech House where old railway signs can still be seen. Remnants of former coal mines can also be seen at Foxes Bridge, Lightmoor and New Fancy.

There are lots of picnic spots and cafes along the way too, perfect for a well deserved break, so why not make a day of it and get out on your bikes and explore the Forest of Dean with the family?

Interested in local history? Why not download the Hidden Heritage App which uses GPS to tell you what is on the route. It shows pictures of the location as it is today and as it was many years ago when the mines were working and the railway was sill running.

We hope you enjoy cycling with your family in the Forest of Dean and Wye Valley.

Trail waymarking - Yellow 
Access - All accessible
Duration - 2 Hours
Distance - 9 miles