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ForestMobility operates on the Family Cycle Trail in the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, from a base at Mallards Pike. These routes can be found on OS map Outdoor Leisure Series no 14 Wye Valley and Forest of Dean.
At Mallards Pike there are toilet facilities, including disabled, and during summer months there is usually a mobile refreshment wagon on site. There are picnic tables in the woods and in the open by the lake.
The timings given below are very approximate and based on a slow walking pace.
The surface on the routes is generally good. Heavy rainfall and flooding can on occasions cause erosion, and buggy riders may feel some jarring from the underlying stones as a result. The timings given below are very approximate and based on a slow walking pace.
The routes are mainly flat but at Three Bothers, on the Family Cycle Trail, there is a fairly steep hill with a chicane at either end. This is no problem for our buggies but it can make those on foot or bikes puff a bit!
The route includes two road crossings as marked on the map; these are well signed.
We advise you to stay on the main route.
Mallards Pike Lake is a short route around the lake, approximately three quarters of a mile around. There is usually plenty to see on the lake and there are stopping places with seats to take a rest or just enjoy the moment.
The Family Cycle Trail, which can be reached from Mallards Pike by an access road, (Marked M4 on the map) is a circular route of approximately 12 miles long, mainly flat with a good surface. This is an interesting walk if you have plenty of time. The route goes along parts of the old Severn and Wye Railway line passing former stations at Drybrook Road, Cannop Wharf and Speech House. Remnants of disused coal mines can be seen at Foxes Bridge, Lightmore and New Fancy.
The way markers on this route have an interesting pattern, depicting railway sleepers which merge into tyre treads.
Many people do parts of the cycle trail as an out and back journey.
New Fancy is an out and back journey along the family cycle way. This takes about an hour to an hour and a half. At New Fancy, along with places to picnic, there are several sights of interest. The Miners Memorial, which was unveiled in September 2005, is a sculpture standing about eleven feet high and made up of elements from within the forest - stone, iron and burnt oak representing coal. This year a new Geo Map of the Forest of Dean is due to open.
There is a view point at New Fancy but the route to the top is currently not suitable for use by our buggies.
Cannop Ponds is a favourite out and back journey for many who stop and picnic by the lakeside. During the summer months the services of a tea wagon are frequently available. Time for this return trip is approximately three hours.
Cannop Ponds
Signing the way
Rounding a barrier
Family cycle trail Nags Head
