GORDON RICHARDS
08.03.2025
Fantastic walk, tired the dog out with all his running around (think he enjoyed himself), nice clean area.
Nick Hoar
07.03.2025
Decent coffee and delicious sandwiches in fairly comfortable surroundings and a good setting are not enough to overcome my reluctance to return due to sky-high carpark charges.
£3.50 for an hour is steep. £6.00 for two hours is gouging. Especially as any visit is almost certain to take you into the two hour plus territory.
So disappointing.
ben alleyne
23.02.2025
Great place for a family day out. Perfect for spot for walking or cycling, and there are lots places for a picnic. There is a lovely cafe that makes the best hit chocolate, and they have lots of GF and DF options. Cycling routes are not too technical and are suitable for all abilities. This national cycle center is currently having some maintenance so notnall of the routes are opened. Check the website before you visit.
Alias
21.02.2025
Read on for the parking fines.
The parking is £7.40 for 2hrs. I was 7mins over by the time I’d left the car park - because it sometimes takes a few minutes to get my son and dog changed and in the car after a muddy walk. This 7mins of basically readying to leave the car park meant I then received a fine of £27.50 because the cameras didn’t see my vehicle leave the car park within the time I’d already paid for. What an easy way to destroy any positive feeling towards the place after what was already hugely expensive for what it is. Next time I won’t use their car park, I’ll bring my own bike rather than hiring one, and I’ll bring our own food and drinks. This will save me around £40 each visit, which I will never again spend there.
Les Wojnarowicz
03.01.2022
Lovely Forestry Commission run venue geared around walkers and cyclers. Multiple paths shoot off in all directions from the (expensive) car park. Bit of a pain to have to keep your dog on a lead to avoid collisions. Circuit around the lake is pleasant. Nice cafeteria (dog friendly). Bike workshop on site.
Kath Nightingale
20.02.2025
We really like this place, and clearly, there is quite a bit of development occurring, including beginners mountain biking and older children's play areas. Parking is expensive @ £6.50p for 2 hours. You are more than likely to be there a bit longer than 2 hours, especially if you also plan to eat there. The cafe feels a bit pricey, but it's probably the same as other places. There are memberships available if you want to enjoy free unlimited parking and an increasing number of guided walks or sessions available. If we lived nearer it would be worth it.
Mike Crowston
09.02.2025
Why is the parking do expensive? Absolute rip off. Avoid!!
Ian Malcolm
07.11.2021
Lovely location in the National Forest. Great coffee stop
DAZ1925
30.01.2025
The the car park now closes at 4:30pm midweek and 5pm at the weekend. There is also lots of trees being cut down each side of the bike trail which means diversions or closures
Tim Howes
19.01.2025
Parking at £8.50 for the day is downright extortion. I wouldnt pay that for city centre parking. I'd suggest going elsewhere.
Yoga Rocks
15.08.2019
We paid for the walace and gromit walk which tbf we could have done without paying. The walk was muddy and not massively scenic tbh but we enjoyed it. Wouldn't rush to walk here again
pat turner
04.03.2018
Great walks. Lovely cafe . Good chance to see wildlife.
tony rishi
07.01.2020
Good place to walk with a buggy or ride a bike. The ground is hard and not too muddy. There is a coffee shop and bike hire on site.
Ben Seaman
12.01.2025
Great place for a quick dog walk followed by a coffee or two. Also visited previously on the bikes and used the track which was fun
Peter Jopp
27.11.2020
If you have kids that are confident on the bike then this a great place to bring them. On the other side of the road from the lodge there are some great beginner mountain bike trails. If you take the first trail off to the left then you can continue on a loop all the way round on mountain bike trails. Our kids loved it.
Jim Mountney
30.01.2023
Love cycling around Hicks Lodge, kids absolutely love the blue mtb trail. The new play area is great and the kids are really excited for the new training areas to open to build their technical skills. I always grumble to myself about the cost of parking on arrival but they are clearly investing gje money in the site and we always leave with a smile.
Neil Adams
05.12.2024
Lovely walk around the lake with girlfriend and her dog. Popped into the cafe for a coffee and cake, which was also good.
Alan Green
03.09.2020
Nice for walking
Mark Shenton
29.12.2021
Lovely walk and coffee kids enjoyed the new playground 😀
David Willars
10.11.2024
Nice park and cafe, parking is a bit pricey
