FAQs List

Are dogs allowed on the trails?

Yes — dogs are welcome on the Colliers Trail and on the cross-country trails (Verderers and Freeminers). Keep them on a lead around other trail users and wildlife, and there's a bike wash on-site if anyone — bike or dog — comes back muddy.

Is there an uplift service for the downhill trails?

Yes — a bookable uplift service shuttles riders and bikes to the top of the downhill runs, so you can spend more time riding and less time pushing back up. It's worth booking ahead, especially on weekends.

Are there skills areas for beginners?

Yes — there are three graded skills areas (Beginner/Green, Intermediate/Blue, and Red) plus a pump track, all designed to help you build confidence and technique before tackling the longer trails.

Can I ride an e-bike on the trails?

Yes — pedal-assist e-bikes (up to Class 1) are permitted on the main trails. E-bike hire is also available on-site at Pedalabikeaway if you want to try one out.

Is it free to ride at the Cycle Centre?

Yes — riding the trails and using the visitor centre is completely free. The only charge is for parking, which helps fund the upkeep of the trails and forest.

What's the landscape like?

The natural beauty and scenery is what attracts most people to the Forest of Dean, so it's not surprising the mountain biking isn't always flat. The main routes are all located within the Cannop Valley and offer relatively easy cycling despite the valley setting. Most of the effort climbing the hills is rewarded with fantastic views and, more importantly, a great descent. If you do need to walk, that's no problem — just take your time and enjoy the surroundings.

Where's a good place to start?

Where: B4234, Cannop Valley, GL16 7EH. Open: 8am daily (closing time varies — 5pm Nov–Feb up to 9pm May–Aug; late till 9pm Thursdays). No car? The Robin Bus (bookable, Mon–Sat 7am–7pm) stops at Beechenhurst, a short ride from the centre via the Colliers Trail. On site: café, shop, bike wash, showers, toilets, accessible toilet. What3words for the car park: ///editor.enlighten.mysteries

What are the best places to ride?

One of the most common questions from visitors is where the best places to ride are. The honest answer: it depends on your type of riding — so go and explore the Cannop Valley! If you're not sure where to start, just ask around at the cycle centre. You'll find a great community of friendly bikers there all year round.

What type of bike should I bring?

Riders turn up on everything from lightweight cross-country race bikes and single-speeds to full-on downhill mountain bikes. The key thing is that it's in good working order, has a range of gears if you're taking on the hills, and good brakes for coming back down. And always wear a helmet! Don't have a bike with you? Cycle hire is available on-site at Pedalabikeaway.

What level of riding is available?

There's a real spread of technical difficulty — from easy routes on hard-pack tracks through to gnarly singletrack descents. The Verderers Trail is graded Blue and the Freeminers Trail is graded Red. The downhill tracks are graded 2-3 dot.

What should I bring with me?

Parts of the Forest of Dean are pretty remote, so help isn't always just around the corner — knowing how to do basic repairs, like mending a puncture, can save you a long walk. Don't rely on your mobile phone to bail you out either, as signal reception isn't great in parts of the forest.

Are trails ever closed?

Yes — sections of trails and downhill tracks are sometimes closed for Forestry operations; the Forest of Dean is still a working forest. Diversions are put in place wherever possible. Other closures are usually down to essential maintenance work.

What accommodation is available nearby?

There's plenty of accommodation in the Forest of Dean to suit all budgets — self-catering, pubs, hotels, B&Bs, hostels, or camping. Wherever you stay, you should be able to get some great riding straight out the door, without spending the day driving around.

Where can I park, and how much does it cost?

Pay by card, Apple/Google Pay, or the RingGo app (ringgo.co.uk) — no cash accepted. Up to 2hrs: £6 · Up to 4hrs: £8 · All day: £10 · After 5pm (Mar–Oct): £3.50. Forest of Dean members (£55/yr) and Forestry England national members (£96/yr) park free — no disc needed, number plate recognition. Car-free or cycling in? No charge. Car park full? Head to Beechenhurst or Cannop Ponds — don't park on verges.