Wenchford

Visitor information

The perfect place to stop for a picnic within the Forest of Dean!

Wenchford is a beautiful spot nestled deep within the forest with plenty of picnic tables and an easy access path.

Blackpool Brook trickles through the site under the dappled shade of the large oak trees. The paddling area is the perfect place to cool down in the hot summer months.

If you are planning a picnic at Wenchford, please make sure you take your litter home with you and recycle where possible. Open fires, portable/disposable BBQs or camping stoves are not allowed. The only way to barbecue in the forest is to hire one of our barbecue sites at Beechenhurst.

The toilet facilities are open from:

  • The first day of the Gloucestershire school Easter holidays or 1 April, whichever is earlier until;
  • The last day of the Gloucestershire school half term holidays or 31 October, whichever is later. 

Parking charges apply during this time.

Things to do

Enjoy a tasty treat in the forest at our beautiful picnic area, just bring along good food and company!

There are several picnic tables located across the grass area at Wenchford. Relax and unwind in the tranquil setting and take in the sights and sounds of the forest. Please make sure you take all your litter away with you.

No fires or BBQs permitted.

Wenchford is the perfect place to dip your toes on a warm, sunny day. A shallow, family-friendly paddling area can be found just a short walk from the car park, through the picnic area. If you fancy a longer walk, try one of our trails:

Blackpool Brook Trail (0.6 miles/1km)

The Blackpool Brook trail takes you the dappled shade of the large oak trees. The trail runs on a hard surfaced path adjacent to the Blackpool Brook and then on to a track above the picnic site.

Mallards to Wenchford trail (1.8 miles/3km)

Enjoy this undulating path linking Wenchford to Mallards Pike.  Following a stoned forest road for most of its length, the path runs through woodland rich in relics of its industrial path.    

 

View map of trails

Maps

Compass on a map

Walking trails at Mallards Pike and Wenchford

Download a map of our trails to help you plan your visit.

Nearby forests

Cafe at Beechenhurst in the Forest of Dean

Beechenhurst lies in the heart of the Forest of Dean, one of Britain's oldest and largest woodlands.

It is the ideal place for families to start their forest adventure, with a family activity trail, large forest-themed play area and Go Ape high ropes course. Explore the forest on foot using one of our walking trails, or bring your bikes and visit the wider forest using the Colliers Trail - our family-friendly cycling route.

A wooden boardwalk stretches over the water at Cannop Ponds. Blue sky with white fluffy clouds.

Cannop Ponds are two reservoirs within the Forest of Dean, originally created in 1820s to supply a waterwheel at Parkend Ironworks.

Today, they are used for fishing by the Yorkley Angling Club and the site makes an idyllic spot to view local birdlife. Enjoy the picturesque picnic area overlooking the ponds and look out for the Mandarin ducks, reed warblers and a pair of nesting mute swans.

Lakeside view at Mallards Pike

There is something for everyone at this beautiful lakeside setting.

Adrenaline seekers can challenge themselves at Go Ape Tree Top Challenge. For those with energy left to burn there is Forest Segway or a range of running trails from 2km to 10km routes.

View from Symonds Yat Rock in spring

Discover the ancient hill fort, spot birds of prey and enjoy a snack from the log cabin cafe.

There are waymarked trails linking to the River Wye and over the famous Biblins Bridge, or a choice of circular walks into the forest itself. There is also a cycling trail linking Forest Holidays and Camping in the Forest site at Bracelands to Symonds Yat Rock.

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