Mallards Pike

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Gloucestershire Forest of Dean

England

Mallards Pike

Cycle trail on former railway trackbed
Cycle trail on former railway trackbed Credit: David Martin

Mallards Pike, located in the heart of the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire, is a stunning freshwater lake surrounded by lush woodlands. Spanning over 30 acres, it is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The lake at Mallards Pike is a man-made reservoir, created in the 1820s to provide water for the local ironworks industry. Over the years, it has evolved into a tranquil haven for wildlife and a recreational hotspot for visitors. The crystal-clear waters of the lake offer opportunities for various water-based activities, including fishing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Surrounded by dense forests and picturesque walking trails, Mallards Pike is an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike. The expansive woodlands provide ample opportunities for exploration and birdwatching, with numerous species of woodland birds, waterfowl, and migratory birds calling this area home.

The site also features a small freshwater marsh, which supports a diverse range of aquatic plants and wildlife. The marsh provides an essential habitat for various species of amphibians, such as frogs and newts, as well as insects and small mammals.

Mallards Pike offers excellent amenities for visitors, including picnic areas, barbecue spots, and a children's play area. There is also a café onsite, serving hot and cold refreshments, making it an ideal place for a family day out or a peaceful retreat in nature.

Overall, Mallards Pike is a beautiful and ecologically diverse destination, offering a perfect blend of outdoor activities, scenic views, and wildlife encounters.

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Mallards Pike Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.780886/-2.5265446 or Grid Reference SO6309. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cycle trail on former railway trackbed
Cycle trail on former railway trackbed
Former railway bridge Carrying the railway trackbed above a Forest track.
Former railway bridge
Carrying the railway trackbed above a Forest track.
Former railway bridge sign
Former railway bridge sign
Cycle trail on former railway trackbed
Cycle trail on former railway trackbed
“Spruce Ride” sign Where Spruce Ride crosses the former railway trackbed.
“Spruce Ride” sign
Where Spruce Ride crosses the former railway trackbed.
Former railway cycle trail waymarker post This design, showing railway track changing to cycle tyre track, marks cycle trails on former railway trackbed in this area of the Forest Of Dean.
Former railway cycle trail waymarker post
This design, showing railway track changing to cycle tyre track, marks cycle trails on former railway trackbed in this area of the Forest Of Dean.
Spruce Drive
Spruce Drive
Family Cycle Trail, Forest of Dean The Cycle Trail follows the main line of Severn and Wye Railway to the site of Drybrook Road Junction and then the northern part of the Mineral Loop Line which  is seen here.  The final part of the cycle loop leaves old railway routes and is rather steeply down.
Family Cycle Trail, Forest of Dean
The Cycle Trail follows the main line of Severn and Wye Railway to the site of Drybrook Road Junction and then the northern part of the Mineral Loop Line which is seen here. The final part of the cycle loop leaves old railway routes and is rather steeply down.
Family Cycle Trail, Forest of Dean The Cycle Trail follows the main line of Severn and Wye Railway to the site of Drybrook Road Junction and then the northern part of the Mineral Loop Line which  is seen here from its bridge over a track.  The final part of the cycle loop leaves old railway routes and is rather steeply down.
Family Cycle Trail, Forest of Dean
The Cycle Trail follows the main line of Severn and Wye Railway to the site of Drybrook Road Junction and then the northern part of the Mineral Loop Line which is seen here from its bridge over a track. The final part of the cycle loop leaves old railway routes and is rather steeply down.
Family Cycle Trail, Forest of Dean The Cycle Trail follows the main line of Severn and Wye Railway to the site of Drybrook Road Junction and then this, the northern part of the Mineral Loop Line. The final part of the cycle loop leaves old railway routes.
Family Cycle Trail, Forest of Dean
The Cycle Trail follows the main line of Severn and Wye Railway to the site of Drybrook Road Junction and then this, the northern part of the Mineral Loop Line. The final part of the cycle loop leaves old railway routes.
Family Cycle Trail, Forest of Dean The Cycle Trail follows the main line of Severn and Wye Railway to the site of Drybrook Road Junction and then this, the northern part of the Mineral Loop Line. The final part of the cycle loop leaves old railway routes.
Family Cycle Trail, Forest of Dean
The Cycle Trail follows the main line of Severn and Wye Railway to the site of Drybrook Road Junction and then this, the northern part of the Mineral Loop Line. The final part of the cycle loop leaves old railway routes.
Family Cycle Trail, Forest of Dean The Cycle Trail follows the main line of Severn and Wye Railway to the site of Drybrook Road Junction and then this, the northern part of the Mineral Loop Line. The final part of the cycle loop leaves old railway routes.
Family Cycle Trail, Forest of Dean
The Cycle Trail follows the main line of Severn and Wye Railway to the site of Drybrook Road Junction and then this, the northern part of the Mineral Loop Line. The final part of the cycle loop leaves old railway routes.
Spruce Ride, Forest of Dean Looking from its intersection with the Family Cycle Trail.
Spruce Ride, Forest of Dean
Looking from its intersection with the Family Cycle Trail.
Forestry road, Forest of Dean
Forestry road, Forest of Dean
Young trees, Staple Edge Wood Near the summit of Staple Edge with a big view.
Young trees, Staple Edge Wood
Near the summit of Staple Edge with a big view.
Staple Edge An inhabited summit in the Forest of Dean.
Staple Edge
An inhabited summit in the Forest of Dean.
Findall chimney-well hidden in extensive beech woods This well preserved monument to industry in the Forest of Dean coal field utilised the rising hot air from a fire at the base of the chimney to pull out stale air from the adjacent coal mines.
Findall chimney-well hidden in extensive beech woods
This well preserved monument to industry in the Forest of Dean coal field utilised the rising hot air from a fire at the base of the chimney to pull out stale air from the adjacent coal mines.
'Herbert & Young Coleford Glos' Sluice Valve cover This old cast iron cover is near the road bridge over Cinderford Brook. probably cast between 1893 and 1942 when the company were at Howler's Slade, Coleford, Forest of Dean.
'Herbert & Young Coleford Glos' Sluice Valve cover
This old cast iron cover is near the road bridge over Cinderford Brook. probably cast between 1893 and 1942 when the company were at Howler's Slade, Coleford, Forest of Dean.
Show me another place!

Mallards Pike is located at Grid Ref: SO6309 (Lat: 51.780886, Lng: -2.5265446)

Administrative County: Gloucestershire

District: Forest of Dean

Police Authority: Gloucestershire

What 3 Words

///hogs.grudging.reinforce. Near Cinderford, Gloucestershire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 51.780886,-2.5265446
Parking
Access: yes
Fee: yes
Parking: surface
Lat/Long: 51.7802753/-2.526882
Parking
Malards Pike
Access: yes
Fee: yes
Operator: Forestry Commission
Parking: surface
Lat/Long: 51.7809755/-2.528928
Toilets
Check Date: 2022-12-24
Fee: no
Wheelchair: yes
Lat/Long: 51.7810692/-2.5281441
Fast Food
Burger Van
Cuisine: burger
Lat/Long: 51.7812802/-2.5282394
Malards Pike Canoe Launch
Leisure: slipway
Lat/Long: 51.7827912/-2.5274051
Bbq
Lat/Long: 51.7802377/-2.5271665
Tourism: picnic_site
Lat/Long: 51.7812879/-2.5276052
Tourism: picnic_site
Lat/Long: 51.7799073/-2.5258028
Bench
Tony Stringer
Backrest: yes
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/196297230@N06/52784295755
Lat/Long: 51.7801302/-2.5252265
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.7853101/-2.525332
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.7841121/-2.5258443
Location Transition: yes
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.7834318/-2.5261554
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.7791165/-2.5277514
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.7783457/-2.5280249
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.7776189/-2.5283253
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.7766696/-2.5290763
Give Way
Direction: forward
Lat/Long: 51.7801854/-2.5330147
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.7778213/-2.523952
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.7783914/-2.5252649
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.7786801/-2.5262184
Location Transition: yes
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.7790776/-2.5275072
Location Transition: yes
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.7795696/-2.5275676
Barrier: height_restrictor
Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/196297230@N06/52784357428
Maxheight: 5
Lat/Long: 51.7833436/-2.5262706
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.7789813/-2.5328583
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.7786411/-2.5301573
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.7792103/-2.5293687
Location Transition: yes
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 51.7790942/-2.5280061
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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