| Cannop Cycle Centre | |
|---|---|
Visitor centre |
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| Type | Cycle Centre |
| Location | Cannop, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, UK |
| Operated by | Forestry Commission |
| Open | All year |
Cannop Cycle Centre is a small woodland cycling centre, comprising mountain bike trails, visitor centre and bike shop. It is located on the site of a former colliery in the Cannop Valley, Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire. The nearest village is Parkend, 3 miles (5 km) away.[1] The cycle centre (Pedalabikeaway) has been an active supporter of the Hands off our Forest campaign[2] and hosted a 'cycle protest rally' in January 2011.[3]
Contents |
Use of the visitor centre and trails is completely free. There is a charge for car parking and some facilities, such as use of the bike wash.
Facilities include;
Operated by Pedalabikeaway.[4] The visitor centre comprises a café, bike hire, bike repair workshop, showers, toilets, bike wash and compressed air.
Open all year, Tuesday to Sunday (open every day during school holidays).
Called Bike 'N' Gear, sells a wide range of bikes and cycling accessories.
Open all year, Wednesday to Sunday (open every day during school holidays).
Operated by 'Flyup Downhill'. Mini bus and purpose built trailer transport riders to the top of the downhill runs.
Open all year, Friday to Tuesday.
Five waymarked trails start and finish at the cycle centre;
A 3.5-mile (6 km) all-weather loop, designed, built and maintained by volunteers in partnership with the Forestry Commission. This is a challenging and varied single track with several tricky switchback climbs, rooty drops and hairpin bends. It is suitable for experienced riders only.[5] The trail is graded RED on the CTC classification of cycle trails and received a glowing report from MBUK, when they reviewed it in 2008.[6]
Widely acclaimed as the best new trail of 2011.[7] This is a 7-mile (11 km) fast flowing single track trail with flat out corners, big berms and rollovers. Graded BLUE on the CTC classification of cycle trails, it gently winds uphill before a swooping, flat top section and a steep undulating descent known as the Dragon's Tail (graded RED). The trail was reviewed by MBUK in October 2011, who described it as 'pure heaven'.[8]
An 11-mile (18 km) circuit, with connecting spurs to several local villages. Follows wide gravelled tracks and is suitable for riding all year round. Mostly level gradients with some short climbs and suitable for all ages and abilities. The route passes along the old Severn and Wye railway line, passing former stations at Drybrook Road, Cannop Wharf and Speech House. Remnants of former coalmines can also be seen at Foxes Bridge, Lightmoor and New fancy.[9]
In July 2007, the Forest of Dean Family Cycle Trail was number one in a list of 'Best British cycle routes', published by The Guardian[10] And in June 2009, it was voted the best 'family cycle route' by The Daily Telegraph[11].
A 5-mile (8 km) family trail which follows wide gravelled tracks. Mainly flat, with some gentle climbs. Suitable for young children.
A fairly challenging 14-mile (23 km) circular route, following some of the wide gravelled tracks used by the famous Wyedean Rally. This trail has no technical sections, but includes some long steady climbs and fast downhills. Aimed at fit cyclists, but not suitable for young children.
In addition to the waymarked trails there are seven or more excellent downhill routes. From the visitor centre, a short path leads to the downhill tracks. The routes up are not well marked, but the 'push up' route initially follows the line of some power cables. A 'ride up' route also exists.
The main downhill, called The Ski-Run, is easy to find and features several technical sections, with a big jump to finish. Other downhill tracks include Endo, Mr Rooty, The O.C., Flatlands, The Corkscrew and Sheepskull. These can be found either side of the third notice board, and further up the hill too.