Visitor information

Get outdoors this winter at Mallards Pike

There is something for everyone at this beautiful lakeside setting.

Take a break from it all with a peaceful lakeside walk or watch the wildlife from one of the benches dotted along the trail. The lakeside path is fully surfaced and suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.

Treat yourself in Mallards Cafe, serving up a delicious selection of hot and cold food, homemade cakes and drinks.

Looking for something more adventurous? Adrenaline seekers can challenge themselves at Go Ape Tree Top Challenge. For those with energy left to burn there is Forest Segway or enjoy one of our running trails. We have routes varying in length from 2km to 10km.

Younger adventurers can enjoy Gruffalo Orienteering - try and find all the Gruffalo panels hidden around the lake. 

Mallards Pike also has access to the Colliers Trail, so bring your bikes and explore the rest of the forest on two wheels.

Please note: Use of the lake is by booking only. Individual swimming and watersports are not permitted in any of the lakes and ponds in the Forest of Dean.

Dog wearing antlers sits in front of a Wallace and Gromit sign in a forest

Join Wallace and Gromit for the ultimate forest walkies

Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with everyone’s favourite dog and owner duo for company.

Food and drink

Exterior of Mallards Pike Cafe

Mallards Cafe

Featuring locally sourced produce and home-made cakes, it’s the perfect spot to meet friends or rest and recharge after a run, walk or forest adventure, and is dog-friendly too!

Try our fun, navigational challenge at Mallards Pike using a simple map to find twelve Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood.

If you're feeling competitive, choose to run...

Whether you've just bought your first pair of trainers, or have 1000's of miles under foot, the trails at Mallards Pike offer opportunities for all runners. Lengths vary from 2km...

Mallards Pike is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors. Enjoy a peaceful lakeside walk, or venture further afield. There are miles of forest tracks to discover, or you can...

Visitors with permanent or temporary limited mobility can hire one of two ‘Walking with Wheels’ off-road mobility scooters through the Countryside Mobility Scheme.

Off-road mobility...

Man running

Walking and running trails at Mallards Pike

Download a map of our trails to help you plan your visit.

Nearby forests

Cafe at Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean

Beechenhurst lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, one of Britain's oldest and largest woodlands, and is the perfect place to spend time together this winter. 

Take a stroll on...

A wooden boardwalk stretches over the water at Cannop Ponds. Blue sky with white fluffy clouds.

Cannop Ponds are two reservoirs within the Forest of Dean, originally created in 1820s to supply a waterwheel at Parkend Ironworks.

Today, they are used for fishing by the Yorkley...

View from Symonds Yat Rock in spring

Admire the picturesque views of the River Wye and surrounding area from this internationally famous viewpoint.

Discover the ancient hill fort, spot birds of prey and enjoy a snack...

Family paddling in a brook

Wenchford is a beautiful spot nestled deep within the forest with plenty of picnic tables and an easy access path.

Blackpool Brook trickles through the site under the dappled shade...

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