Top 5 Lakes around Drybrook
Best lakes around Drybrook, a village in Gloucestershire's Forest of Dean, offer a variety of water bodies for exploration. The area is characterized by its natural landscape, featuring tranquil ponds and larger lakes. These water bodies provide diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and wildlife observation. Visitors can find a range of lake types, from peaceful fishing spots to locations suitable for walking and cycling.
Best lakes around Drybrook
- The most popular lakes is Cannop Ponds, a lake known for…
Last updated: August 10, 2026
Cannop Ponds
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View of Cannop Ponds
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Soudley Ponds
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Mallards Pike Lake
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Mallards Pike Lake
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Tips from the Community
This place is definitely worth a visit. It is a beautiful area with seating available and a refreshments van on-site.
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The final mile. You can push hard as its downhill, to get that PB. The last sign (&cow bell ringer) says 200 metres to go. 50m up & a right hand curve, just empty the tank as it's shorter than it appears. Great course, volunteer's, café, setting. Unsure if raining?
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Nice meeting hub while out exploring FOD plenty of picnic benches, cafe and a great walking loop of the pond, both lower and upper sections.
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Nice meeting hub while out exploring FOD plenty of picnic benches, cafe and a great walking loop of the pond, both lower and upper sections.
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Nice steady firetrack climb alongside Mallards Pike. Plenty of single track trails from the main track if you fancy more of a challenge either up or downhill.
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Beautiful route in the Forest of Dean. What is very exciting is the number of children and young people who, no matter what day of the week, spend time in the free trail park after school. Even parking is free. And there is good food there too. Simply different!
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Great place to stop take a break from biking. Benches for snacks and a great snack shop during summer season.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which lakes near Drybrook are best for walking and cycling?
For walking and cycling, Mallards Pike Lake is a popular choice with numerous trails. Cannop Ponds also offers pleasant paths for walking and cycling, especially the Family Cycle Trail which is accessible from the area.
Are there family-friendly lakes around Drybrook?
Yes, several lakes are great for families. Cannop Ponds is known for its tranquil atmosphere, birdlife, and picnic spots. Soudley Ponds offers a serene setting adjacent to a heritage centre with a cafe. Mallards Pike Lake is also considered family-friendly with its trails.
Where can I go fishing near Drybrook?
The area offers several excellent fishing spots. Cannop Ponds is a peaceful spot for fishing. Steam Mills Lake, the largest and deepest of the Royal Forest of Dean Angling Club's waters, is a prime location for anglers, even permitting night fishing. Forest Carp Lake is a dedicated fishery for carp anglers, with specimens up to 42lb. Soudley Lower Pond is also managed for fishing by the Soudley Fly Fishing Syndicate.
What kind of wildlife can I spot around the lakes?
The lakes are rich in wildlife. At Cannop Ponds, you can often see Mandarin ducks and mute swans. The area around View of Cannop Ponds is an important habitat for various wildlife, including mute swans and reed warblers.
Are there any cafes or pubs near the lakes?
Yes, Soudley Ponds is adjacent to a heritage centre with a cafe overlooking a mill pond. Cannop Ponds often has an ice cream van on-site, and there are good food options nearby.
Where can I find trails for mountain biking near Drybrook's lakes?
The Forest of Dean area, close to many of these lakes, is well-known for its mountain biking trails. You can explore routes like the Blue Verderers trail or the Freeminers Trail. For more options, check out the MTB Trails around Drybrook guide.
Are there opportunities for open water swimming or wild swimming?
Yes, for open water swimming, 'The Lake' near Bristol is promoted as one of the UK's clearest lakes, offering excellent conditions for swimming, diving, and paddleboarding with lifeguards and changing rooms. For wild swimming, the River Wye at Lower Lydbrook, on the edge of the Forest of Dean, is a popular and scenic spot.
What are the best lakes for a peaceful visit?
Cannop Ponds is highly regarded for its tranquil atmosphere. Soudley Ponds also offers a serene setting, surrounded by towering Douglas firs, making it a peaceful haven.
What kind of cycling routes are available near the lakes?
Beyond the trails directly around lakes like Mallards Pike Lake, the wider area offers various cycling routes. The Family Cycle Trail is a popular option, and you can find more detailed routes, including the Colliers Trail, in the Cycling around Drybrook guide.
Are there any lakes suitable for visitors with accessibility needs?
Steam Mills Lake, a popular fishing spot, offers around 50 fishing platforms, including some designed for disabled anglers, making it a more accessible option for those interested in fishing.
What do visitors enjoy most about the lakes around Drybrook?
Visitors frequently praise the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere, the abundance of birdlife, and the well-maintained trails for walking and cycling. The scenic beauty and the opportunity for picnics are also highly valued, particularly at spots like Cannop Ponds and Soudley Ponds.
Can I find running trails near the lakes?
Yes, the Forest of Dean area provides numerous running trails. You can find routes like the Forest of Dean Family Trail or various loops from Cinderford and Mitcheldean. For a comprehensive list, refer to the Running Trails around Drybrook guide.
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