Forest of Dean Colliers Trail cycle route overall rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Forest of Dean lies on the edge of the border between England and Wales, and is stunningly beautiful. There are many cycle routes in the forest, but this one is particularly family-friendly, and is entirely traffic-free along its 6.6 mile length.
As a there-and-back, it is a 13 mile ride, with refreshments available at either end. There’s a picnic area and a café at the far end, by Mallards Pike
Surface on the Colliers Trail
Most of the trail has a self-compacting gravel surface, though almost half has a sealed surface.
Nevertheless, especially after rain, expect mud and puddles along the trail, and be prepared for minor potholes, too. You should be able to easily ride through those when they’re dry.
Refreshments
There are cafés at the start and the end of the route. However, do note that the Mallards Pike café is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Bikes
You can use any type of bike along the Forest of Dean Colliers Trail, but obviously skinny-wheeled road bike riders will find the route quite bumpy.
Ratings
Safety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hilliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Refreshment stops: ⭐⭐⭐
Barriers: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Surface: ⭐⭐⭐
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Points of Interest
Also consider visiting Clearwell Caves or the amazing (and free!) Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail.
Routes in Gloucestershire
Barriers
There are no barriers at all along the entire route. Cargo bikes, trikes and tandems can use the full route.
Cycle Hire
Bike hire is available from Pedal A Bike Away, at the start of the route. Importantly, you will need to book a bike in advance, and their website has full details.
Toilets
There are toilets at the start of the trail, and again at the end, by Mallards Pike.
Paying the rent
This site is supported by ads. Please turn your adblocker off for me?
Weather forecast for the Forest of Dean Colliers Trail
What the Forest of Dean Colliers Trail looks like
Getting to the Forest of Dean Colliers Trail
Sadly, there are no train stations near the Colliers Trail. If driving, use post code GL16 7EH for your sat nav.
Parking near the Colliers Trail
There’s a car park at the start, but there are restricted hours, and you will have to pay to park. At Mallards Pike there’s additional parking, in case you wanted to start from there.
The Forest of Dean is enormously popular, and the cycle centre at the start also caters to mountain bikers, so the car parks will fill up very quick.
More Routes
To find more routes, click this link.
DayCycle
DayCycle routes are routes that can can easily be cycled by most people in a day, or part of a day. Do have a look at all the other DayCycle routes available on WillCycle. Many contain detailed route guides, as well as embedded maps (like the one below).