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Start at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre public car park in Cannop Valley, GL16 7EH, at the shared trail entrance beside Pedalabikeaway. Cross the trail bridge over New Road and Cannop Brook, then follow the Colliers Trail towards Whitegates. Take the northern former railway route, climbing through woodland and curving east to the old Drybrook Road Station. Turn onto Hicksters Way for the broad forest-road return through Speech House Woodland, then turn back towards Whitegates and retrace the approach to the Cycle Centre. This is the established shorter Hicksters Way circuit, rather than the full 14.5 km Colliers Trail.
Allow about 2 hours 45 minutes for the roughly 8 km walk, including short pauses. The route uses mostly surfaced or gravel forest tracks, with a steady climb, descents and patches that can be loose, uneven or muddy. It is shared with cyclists, runners and dogs. Keep dogs under control, leave room for passing bicycles and stay on the main route rather than the optional technical cycling skills zones. The outward and return legs share the approach between the Cycle Centre and Whitegates. Download the map before setting off because phone reception can be poor in the forest.
Parking is charged: the current four-hour rate is £8, payable by card, contactless or RingGo. The site normally opens at 8am and closes at 6.30pm in October, with seasonal closing times; check the posted times and return before the car park closes. Toilets and a cafe are at the Cycle Centre, with separate business opening hours. Forestry England lists the Colliers Trail as open, with forestry work in several sections. Follow any current safety signs and staff instructions.
Route and visitor information: Forestry England Colliers Trail map, Cycle Centre visitor information and trail-status page, checked 4 October 2026. https://www.forestryengland.uk/forest-dean-cycle-centre/colliers-trail
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A few things to know before you make plans.
You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.
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Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.
Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.
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