Near Parkend, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 4HD
Mallards Pike
Forest recreation landscape
Place photograph
6.2
Wildland
1–2 hours
Time
Paid
Cost
Peaceful
Feel
Why it's Wildland
6.2A lake set among the Forest of Dean’s wooded landscape, with a short lakeside loop and a longer circular walking option.
Mallards Pike makes a straightforward forest visit feel like more than a stroll from the car park: the lake gives the walk a clear focal point, while a longer circular route offers room to explore the surrounding woods. It is best approached as a gentle waterside-and-forest outing, not as a remote wilderness escape.
Peaceful · Family-buzz
Find your way
Open mapNear Parkend, Lydney, Gloucestershire GL15 4HD
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The experience
Start with the lakeside path for a gentle visit, or follow the mapped short circular if you have more time. The lake is the focal point; there is also a café listed on site. Walking information describes muddy sections, so footwear suited to forest paths is sensible.
Things to do
Walk the Mallards Pike Short Circular
A listed 4-mile loop with 229 feet of elevation gain and an estimated walking time of 1.5–2 hours. The route summary notes muddy sections.
1.5–2 hours
Stop at Mallards Pike Cafe
Forestry England lists a café at the site, with opening hours that vary by season. Check whether it is open before planning around it.
Make a day of it
Quick escape · About 30 minutes; duration not confirmed
Quick Escape: a lakeside pause
- 01
Take a gentle walk beside the lake and return by the same path if you want a brief visit.
- 02
Pause to take in the lake and its wooded setting.
Half day · 1.5–2 hours for the 4-mile route
Make a Half Day of It: follow the short circular
- 01
Start from the Mallards Pike area; confirm the route start and current conditions before setting off.
- 02
Follow the Mallards Pike Short Circular, described as a 4-mile loop with 229 feet of elevation gain.
- 03
Allow extra time for muddy sections and a stop at the lake.
- 04
Check whether the café is open if you plan to finish with refreshments.
When to go
· Earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon, especially at weekends and on bank holidays; weekdays outside school holidays are usually quieter.
The supplied sources give seasonal opening hours and note muddy route sections, but do not establish a standout wildlife or seasonal spectacle.
The circular route information notes muddy sections. Check current path and site conditions before visiting.
What to look for
Notice how the lake edge opens and closes through the surrounding woodland. For a longer outing, use the circular route information to explore beyond the immediate waterside path.
Best time to go
Year-round; choose a quieter weekday morning or late afternoon. Forest paths may be muddy.
Forestry England says weekdays outside school holidays are usually quieter; weekends and bank holidays tend to be less busy before 10am and after 4pm.
How long to spend
1–2 hours
Perfect for
Walkers · Families · Dogs · Photographers
Before you go
Address
Phone
Website
Listed hours
- Monday: 8am-6:30pm
- Tuesday: 8am-6:30pm
- Wednesday: 8am-6:30pm
- Thursday: 8am-6:30pm
- Friday: 8am-6:30pm
- Saturday: 8am-6:30pm
- Sunday: 8am-6:30pm
Check before visiting.
Google rating
Practical information
Opening & access
Forestry England says the site is open daily except Christmas Day. The car park opens at 8am; closing time varies by month. Check current information before travelling.
Check before visiting
Parking
Paid car park at Mallards Pike; Forestry England lists charges by length of stay. Overnight parking is not permitted. Check current prices before visiting.
Check before visiting
Toilets
Wheelchair-accessible toilet reported in the source row; check current facilities before visiting.
Check before visiting
Food & drink
Mallards Pike Cafe is listed by Forestry England; opening hours vary by season. Check before visiting.
Check before visiting
Dogs
Check current Forestry England guidance and on-site signage before visiting with a dog.
Check before visiting
Accessibility
The source row reports a wheelchair-accessible car park, entrance, seating and toilet. It does not establish that walking routes are fully accessible; check current route conditions before visiting.
Check before visiting
Cost
Paid
Water
Lake
Gallery
Place photographs
Keep exploring
Around Mallards Pike
Within 50 km · approximate straight-line distances
