Cannop Ponds

There has been an outbreak of Crayfish Plague in nearby watercourses. Help us by not allowing dogs to enter the ponds and streams around Cannop Ponds.

Visitor information

Opening hours

Open every day except Christmas Day. The site opens at 8:30am every day and the closing times are as follows:

November to February - 5:00pm

March - 6:30pm

April - 8:00pm

May to August - 9:00pm

September - 7:30pm

October - 6:30pm

Overnight parking is not permitted.

How to find us

Cannops Ponds is located approximately two miles east of Coleford.

West Dean, Lydney

Sat Nav Postcode: GL15 4JS

OS Grid Ref

SO610108

Get directions

51.793209252556, -2.5664276189691

Parking and prices

Pay for your parking with cash or use the RingGo app. We recommend downloading the app to your phone before you visit.

You can also use RingGo by pre-booking online or calling 0203 046 0063 with location code 31016 (cars only).

There is a small convenience charge for using this service. See RingGo online for full terms and conditions and VAT receipts.

Forest of Dean members park for free. Buy your Membership now for £40 and simply display your pass in your vehicle without queuing for a ticket. Parking charges and memberships help us to look after the Forest of Dean for everyone.

Please note: Our ticket machine is cash only, please bring the correct change with you.

Parking Charges

The money you pay for parking helps us to look after the forests. Read how

Parking charges
Up to 2 hours	£2.00
Up to 4 hours	£4.00
All day	£5.00

Coaches/Minibuses charges

Minibuses/motorhomes - £8.00

Not suitable for coaches

Additional information

Regular visitors can save money by becoming a Member -

Number of accessible parking spaces: 5

Disabled parking available

Pay by phone available

Facilities and access

Assistant dogs welcome

Cafe

Dogs allowed

Picnic area

Contact details

Landline Number

0300 067 4800

E-Mail Address

westengland@forestryengland.uk

Cannop Ponds

Enjoy the peaceful wildlife at Cannop Ponds today

The site was originally home to the Severn and Wye Railway, which was constructed to allow exploitation of the mineral resources of the Forest of Dean.

The ponds were created in 1825 and 1829 to supply a waterwheel at Parkend Ironworks. Today, they are used for fishing by the Yorkley Angling Club and the site makes an idyllic spot to view local birdlife. Enjoy the picturesque picnic area overlooking the ponds and look out for the Mandarin ducks, reed warblers and a pair of nesting mute swans.

Walking trails will take you around the ponds or bring your bikes and join the Family Cycle Trail to explore the wider forest.

At a glance

Come and share your views on the future of Cannop Ponds. Events are being held on 21 and 30 March.

31/01/2023 12:18

The future of Cannop Ponds is being reviewed following concerns about the condition of its ageing dams, and its resilience to climate change. Click here to find out more.

07/07/2022 07:00

A catering unit is at Cannop Ponds 11am - 4pm during school holidays and every weekend throughout the year, serving food, drinks and ice creams. Make sure you try the wild boar hot dogs!

23/06/2021 11:38

Things to do

See more things to do

Walking at Cannop Ponds

Walking at Cannop Ponds is the perfect way to get some fresh air and explore some of the area's most beautiful landscapes.

A path takes visitors around both lakes where it is possible to walk and enjoy the wildlife. These are not waymarked or surfaced and so maybe muddy during the winter.

Cannop Ponds can be accessed by the 13 km (8 miles) Beechenhurst trail.

This is a challenging walk with several ascents and descents on unsurfaced paths. An OS map is advised for this trail or Ramblers map available from Forest of Dean Ramblers

Find out more

Bixslade Trail

The route takes in lots of interesting cultural and built heritage including mines, quarries and the Severn & Wye Railway's Bicslade tram road which was the last horse drawn tram road to operate in the Dean.

Park at Cannop Ponds and follow the Family Cycle Trail to the Stone firms where you can cross the road to pick up the trail.

Cycles are not permitted on this trail please enjoy this one on foot.

Find out more

Family Cycle Trail at Cannop Ponds

Cannop Ponds car park provides good access to the Family Cycle Trail a 14.5 km (9 miles)

The trail is on a shared use forest road which is a circular route through the heart of the forest, best cycled clockwise. The route has been surfaced and is suitable for all ages and abilities, with gentle slopes and one steep downhill section, there are connecting routes to villages and picnic sites.

If this trail is too long you can create a shorter ride by taking a detour onto the on the Hicksters Way Loop creating a 10.5km (6.5 miles) ride from Cannop Ponds.

Find out more

Fishing at Cannop Ponds

Cannop Ponds is one of the best waters in the forest for angling. Managed by Yorkley Angling Club, day permits can be bought on the bank from the Club bailiff or from local tackle shops

There are two lakes, both of which offer a variety of fish to impressive sizes:

Cannop 1, Southern Lake

58 PEGS 7 Disabled Platforms with Access Depth 3ft to 20ft

Stock: Carp 30lb+, Bream 6lb+, Tench 7lb, Pike 30lb+, Roach, Perch, Rudd, Eels, Chub

Cannop 2, Northern Lake

44 PEGS 3 Disabled Platforms with Access Depth 2ft to 8ft

Stock: Grass Carp 20lb+, Carp, Bream, Tench, Roach, Crucian Carp, Eels

Night Fishing is permitted only by holders of a night permit.

Find out more

Nearby forests

Beechenhurst

Beechenhurst lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, one of Britain's oldest and largest woodlands.

It is the ideal place for families to start their forest adventure, with a family activity trail, Sculpture Trail, play area and Go Ape Tree Top Adventure. You can even bring your bikes and access the wider forest on our Family Cycle Trail.

Find out more

Rider on cycling trail in the Forest of Dean

Forest of Dean Cycle Centre

Forest of Dean Cycle Centre (formerly known as Cannop Cycle Centre) has something for cyclists of all ages and abilities. Try the Family Cycle Trail or test yourself on the singletrack trails and demanding downhill runs. We also have several skills areas for different abilities, plus a pump track - to help you hone your skills.

Find out more

Mallards Pike

There is something for everyone at this beautiful lakeside setting.

Adrenaline seekers can challenge themselves at Go Ape Tree Top Challenge. For those with energy left to burn there is Forest Segway or a range of running trails from 2km to 10km routes.

Find out more

Wenchford

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 of the large oak trees. The paddling area is the perfect place to cool down in the hot summer months.

The toilet facilities are open from April until the end of October. Parking charges only apply during this time.

Find out more

Happy times and waggy tails

For a safe and enjoyable visit for everyone, read our guidance on dogs in the forest.

Membership invitation - click to find out more about membership

Volunteer with us invitation - click to discover volunteer opportunities across England