Family Cycling & The Colliers Trail

Looking for a safe, scenic and fun day out on two wheels? The Colliers Trail is a 9-mile circular off-road route through the heart of the Forest of Dean - perfect for families, beginners and anyone wanting to enjoy a relaxed cycle in beautiful surroundings.

Well-surfaced and clearly signposted with yellow waymarkers, the trail winds through some of the forest’s most popular and picturesque spots. Many sections follow former railway lines, making them flat, wide, and easy to navigate - ideal for little legs, tagalongs and trailers.

Highlights Along the Trail

The route takes in some of the Forest’s best-loved landmarks, including:

- Cannop Ponds – a great spot for wildlife watching and a picnic

- The Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail at Beechenhurst -

- Mallards Pike Lake – perfect for a rest stop or café break

- Historic remnants of the Forest’s mining heritage, including old colliery sites and disused railway stations. 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.

It also passes close to towns and villages, with connecting routes and shortcuts - great if you're staying locally and want to join the trail without using the car.

Start Your Ride

The most popular starting point is the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre at Cannop, where you'll find bike hire, toilets, a café, parking, and a cycle shop. But being a circular route, you can start from any point and take the loop at your own pace.

Whether you’re packing a picnic or planning a café stop (there are plenty), the Colliers Trail is a family-friendly favourite that makes exploring the Forest of Dean fun, flexible and full of fresh air.

Download the Colliers Trail PDF map here.

Trail Waymarking: Yellow waymarkers
Distance: 9 miles / 14.5 km
Terrain: Off-road, surfaced trails, mostly flat

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

Photo credit: Forestry England

Old Bobs Trail

If you’re looking for another easy-going ride, Old Bob’s Trail is a fantastic option. Just like the Colliers Trail, it starts from the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre and is suitable for a wide range of riders including children, adaptive cycles, tag-a-longs and trikes. At just under 2km, it's a short loop designed for relaxed riding, and it’s also a great introduction to off-road cycling for younger riders.

This green-graded trail is mostly flat, with a smooth surface and gentle gradients, making it ideal for families, first-timers or anyone wanting a quiet woodland route without too much challenge.

Tip: Old Bob’s Trail can be a great warm-up before heading out onto the longer Colliers Trail or just the perfect mini adventure on its own.