Address: Near, Parkend, Lydney GL15 4HD, United Kingdom
Phone: +443000674800
Rating: 4.7
based on 149 reviews.
Scenery and Trails
Pros:
"Wonderful place in the forest of Dean, great foot paths in lots of directions and all round the lake."
"The lake and surrounding area spectacular! Lovely cafe, plenty of seating outside."
"The lake is perfect for a gentle stroll or a spot of fishing."
"Fantastic long walk in the forest with Raff the dog."
"Such a beautiful lake, dog friendly and so much to do, great little Coffee Shop Thad does food."
"Really nice set up, the lake is very attractive surrounded by the forest with lots of picnic tables dotted around."
"Beautiful, calm and serene place. A nice walk around the lake and lots of place for kids to run around and play."
"Enjoyed a walk around the water with my 1 year old grandson in his pushchair."
Cons:
"Muddy from recent heavy rainfall, but one can still walk right around."
"Amazing views if you go away from the lake (which is ok if not a little stagnant)."
"Expensive parking just to walk around a lake and visit the coffee shop for another expensive cup off coffee."
"It's our first visit but sorry to say i was not impressed as there's not much grassy area to sit and have a picnic."
Cafe and Food Options
Pros:
"Lovely cafe, plenty of seating outside. Car parking is £5 for 2-4 hrs and I am willing to pay this as the money goes to Forestry England."
"The addition of the cafe is a great one, plenty of places to picnic, views are superb."
"There's also a cafe on site, which serves delicious food and drinks."
"Really good lunch in the cafe."
"Staff were friendly and helpful, in all a very pleasant visit."
"A very enjoyable stroll around the main lake. It was nice to see picnic tables too and also several park benches available for those that need to take a rest."
"Always a warm and friendly welcome here at this clean and light cafe."
"The cafe is a fab place to grab a quick bite or to stop for a coffee with plenty of cakes to choose from."
Cons:
"There wasn't a great choice for Gluten Free in the cafe but there was cake!"
"Cafe food and drink is very high standard and situated right next to the lake that can be swam in."
"Over priced food at the cafe, grumpy staff, use of non eco friendly packaging."
"Expensive parking just to walk around a lake and visit the coffee shop for another expensive cup off coffee that was virtually half full."
Parking and Accessibility
Pros:
"Plenty of parking too, remember if you're not a member it's pay and display, easily done via the Ringo app too."
"Parking is not free but I thought was reasonable."
"Great location, with enough parking at a very reasonable price."
"Lovely place for a bike, run or walk. Cafe is now back to normal so there's seating inside and several benches scattered around the lake area."
Cons:
"Car parking is £5 for 2-4 hrs."
"Access road, really needs new gravel. Wish the forestry would enforce parking charges, I pay annual membership!"
"Parking is a bit pricey. Nearest free parking is about half an hours walk away."
"The car park is a little expensive but I think it's worth it."
Dog-Friendly Activities
Pros:
"Excellent for dog walking and cycling too."
"Fantastic long walk in the forest with Raff the dog. Raff had a cooling doggy dip in the lake in the special dog swimming area."
"Such a beautiful lake, dog friendly and so much to do."
"Great place to take the dog for a swim in the lake or a long walk with a big car park."
Cons:
"It's not a great lake for bird spotting as dogs are allowed to swim in the lake and they tend to scare off a lot of the water dwelling wild fowl."
"Only gripes are people don't pick up their dog mess and cycle around the lake although it is clearly marked it is not allowed."