Mallards Pike

Try our fun, navigational challenge at Mallards Pike using a simple map to find twelve Gruffalo markers hidden in the deep, dark wood.

If you're feeling competitive, choose to run, walk (or skip!) the course against the clock.

Before you begin the trail, pick up a Gruffalo orienteering leaflet with a certificate and map for just £1.50. These are available from the following:

Please note that our reception and phone lines are open 9am - 3pm, Monday - Friday and all payments must be made by card.

Whether you've just bought your first pair of trainers, or have 1000's of miles under foot, the trails at Mallards Pike offer opportunities for all runners. Lengths vary from 2km to 10km and they all start from just beyond Go Ape.

2km Running Trail

Follow the grey waymarkers.

The perfect way to start your running journey, the 2km trail is a great route for beginners looking for a step up from the lakeside path.

The trail is wide with a stone surface underfoot. It heads out along the same route as the 3km and 5km routes, before turning left and returning along the Family Cycle Trail.

3km Running Trail

Follow the purple waymarkers.

The trail heads out into the forest, following the same route as the 5km. The route is gently undulating along forest roads. When you get to a junction, the 5km will turn left and the 3km will carry on up a short, narrow uphill section which can be muddy in wet weather. Once this is complete it is downhill for most of the journey back to the lake. 

5km Running Trail

Follow for the pink waymarkers.

Our 5km trail follows forest roads with hard, solid surfaces. It heads out into the forest along the same route as the 3km trail, before carrying on gradually climbing uphill. The good news is, once you've reached the furthest point, it is mostly downhill all the way back!

10km Running Trail

Follow the turquoise waymarkers.

Looking for a challenge? Our 10km trail takes you away from the busy areas of the forest to more remote woodland. It feels like an adventure and you may even spot some local wildlife, such as deer.

The trail is mainly hard stone track, however some areas can become wet and muddy. Suitable running shoes are recommended.

All our trails share sections with other forest users, such as bicycles and horse riders.

Mallards Pike is a great place to enjoy the great outdoors. There are miles of tracks to discover, or you can explore the woodland along one of our walking trails. Click the link in the "useful information" section to see a map of the trails.

The Colliers Trail is our family cycling trail - a fully waymarked, circular route, with connecting routes to villages and picnic sites. This route has been especially surfaced and is suitable for all ages and abilities.

The trail follows the route of the old railway which served the many coal mines (collieries) around the Forest. The remnants of many of these former mines are still visible today, along with the station names.

You can access the trail from a number of locations around the Forest of Dean, including the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, Beechenhurst, Cannop Ponds and Mallards Pike.

Fancy a shorter family route? Try the 5mile/8km ride from Forest of Dean Cycle Centre or Beechenhurst on the waymarked Hicksters Way Loop.

To find out about cycle hire, tag-a-longs or electric bikes, contact our on-site bike hire specialists at Forest of Dean Cycle Centre.

This is a shared use trail and so you will come across walkers, dogs and runners on your way around. Please watch out for other people and take care when passing.

If you are interested in learning more about the local history, you can download the “Forest of Dean Hidden Heritage” app for free from your app store. This is packed full of information on each point of interest along the trail.

Please dismount around the picnic area and lakeside walking path.

Download our trail maps here

Check if our cycling trails are open or closed