Church Farm Holidays was originally set up to cater for riders and their horses, but we found that many families came with both riders and non-riders, they brought cycles for the non-riders and the cyclists accompanied the riders on their hacks through the forest. Cyclists are well catered for in the Forest with way marked tracks and All Terrain and MTB skills areas, and as we are close to these areas, we are now offering our accommodation to cyclists.
So if you don't mind horses, dogs and other farm animals we can offer you a great cycling holiday, and when you have had enough cycling there are plenty of other things to do in the Forest and surrounding area in this peaceful and beautiful part of Gloucestershire.
The Dean is an excellent venue for all who enjoy pedalling in the tranquillity of traffic free countryside, and welcomes family cyclists, "ramblers on two wheels" as well as MTB enthusiasts.
The main centre of cycling activity is the Pedalabikaway Cycle Centre, (Map ref. 02-G) where you can hire bikes, buy maps, get advice on routes, or just grab a snack before your ride. You will find cycling facilities to suit all tastes. We recommend that you bring Ordnance Survey Leisure map 14 which covers the whole area but see overleaf for some suggestions on what you can do with your bike in the Forest.
Your cycles would be kept under lock and key at the Farm.
You can book your accommodation by filling in the Booking Form in this site, or one can be sent to you on request.
Mountain biking in the Forest of Dean
The first thing to say about cycling in the forest of dean is that there is something for everyone. From family to friends to children to adults to small groups and large, experienced and not so. It is possible to discover a wonderful way to spend a day, a weekend or a week in the forest. There is an area of approximately 100 square kilometres to explore and the key to doing this is to start at the cycle centre that is located near the heart of the forest.
The centre provides great parking, a shop for essential biking equipment, toilets and showers, bike hire and the opportunity to grab a cup of tea at the end of any ride at the on-site cafe. It also provides a selection of excellent maps that cover specific routes through the forest and, more importantly, there is a trail and forestry tracks map. This map is a great guide that can allow you to build a multitude of routes to suit your needs.
You can find details for the centre online here http://www.zen95975.zen.co.uk/index.html and the detailed map can be picked up from the shop for £2.99 and is called the "Forest of dean recreation map". Also for more cycling information go to www.forestry.gov.uk/forestofdean.
Family
There is a way-marked 11 mile trail using disused railway lines and well surfaced forest tracks. Short cuts are possible, shown with pink arrows on the map. Suitable for families, children and those with disabilities. Along the way-marked trails you can find many places of interest such as a sculpture trail, open expanses of water, wildlife, historic sites and there's even a go ape!
Leisure
Beyond the family routes and activities there are rides that allow you to cover much more of the terrain with its glorious views and woodland. Using the detailed map it is possible to cover the "four corners" of the forest by following the instructions in the "Suggested Routes" section. The routes get up to 18 miles in distance and variously they take you north, south and west from the cycle centre and finish back there. Each one makes for a great day's cycle. You can also make the most of the routes by either reversing them or even starting out on a route from one of the many other car parks that are dotted around the forest.
x-country and downhill
In the hills to the west and above the cycle centre there is a dedicated hardcore mountain biking area. There is a well maintained 3km single track x-country course for riders who like to get their technical kicks with narrow drop-ins, testing uphill ascents and fast and winding descents; the track is a great place to finish your day after one of the leisure loops (if you have the energy to burn off that is). Further up into the hills there is also a wealth of purpose built downhill tracks graded 1 (hard) to 3 (hardest) that can get very fast and are all constructed with a mixture of weaving track, tricky jumps and steep drops-ins that can really get the adrenalin pumping.
Accommodation
For those of you wondering where to stay in the forest of dean then there is no better place than Church Farm. Located only a ten minute drive from the cycle centre it is an inspiring base for starting out from at the beginning of the day and an idyllic sanctuary to return to at the end of it. With lovely homely apartments, wonderful surrounds and views and a warm welcome you could not go wrong!
Thanks Stuart for your comments
