Pedalabikeaway

Pedalabikeaway sits in the Cannop Valley at the heart of the Forest of Dean, the only place in the forest where you can hire a bike and roll straight onto traffic-free trails. The Colliers Trail, which follows old railway lines through the trees with a gentle gradient, starts directly from the centre and is suited to all ages. It is exactly the kind of riding that puts cycling in reach of families who would find a road route off-putting.

Hire options span the full range: standard bikes, e-bikes useful for the occasional uphill, children's bikes from the smallest sizes, tagalongs for older children riding behind a parent, trailers for babies and toddlers, and adaptive bikes for riders with additional needs. The centre has a Changing Places room and works seriously on inclusive access, which makes it a genuine option for families with SEND. Helmets and gear are provided with hire.

The on-site cafe is well-regarded and makes a natural start and end point, with toilets and a bike wash on site. If you bring your own bikes, access to the trail network is free. The Forest of Dean has over twenty miles of waymarked trails in total, with the Colliers Trail being the most sheltered and accessible for families. Much of the route passes through broadleaved woodland, which makes it a better bet in light rain than most outdoor activities in the area.

Good for: outdoors, sporty, send-friendly. Ages: 0–2, 3–4, 5–7, 8–11, 12+.