Cannop Ponds Walks and Route Maps

A short, almost level circuit of Cannop Ponds, the two reservoirs in the Forest of Dean that were created in the 1820s to feed a waterwheel at Parkend Ironworks. Much of the walk stays close to the water, so you get plenty of open views across the ponds with woodland rising behind them.

The route also crosses Cannop Brook and follows the line of old railways, including the Severn and Wye Line and the Bicslade Railway, now part of the Family Cycle Route. Mandarin ducks, swans and dragonflies are among the wildlife to look out for. It makes an easy outing for a short stroll or a picnic by the water.

A longer and much more strenuous walk through the heart of the Forest of Dean, starting with Cannop Ponds and then climbing away into the woods.

The ponds, two reservoirs built in the 1820s to power a waterwheel at Parkend Ironworks, are the highlight early on, with Mandarin ducks, swans and dragonflies among the wildlife. After that the route follows old railway lines, including the Severn and Wye Line and the Bicslade Railway.

The middle of the walk is mostly forest, with a steep climb up from the valley and a good deal of tree cover. It passes close to Speech House, a hunting lodge built in 1676 for Charles II that is now a hotel and still the meeting place of the Verderers. Names such as Saintlow Inclosure and Russell's Inclosure reflect the managed woodland of the Forest.

The return is quieter, through woodland and past Blackpennywall Green. It is a good morning or afternoon in the woods.