Highlight • Trail
Mountain biking
4.6
(33)
New Fancy Viewpoint is a distinctive recreational site nestled within the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, England. Situated atop the former spoil heap of the New Fancy coal mine, this location, at an elevation of 157 metres, offers expansive panoramic views across the surrounding coniferous forest landscape.
Visitors consistently praise the remarkable transformation of this site, highlighting how an industrial past has been beautifully repurposed into a natural haven. The sweeping vistas from the viewpoint are a…
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May 12, 2021
Mountain biking
June 7, 2021
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October 30, 2022
Mountain biking
Nearby routes
Best routes near New Fancy Viewpoint
5.0
(2)
28
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
19
riders
17.9km
01:31
180m
180m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
15
riders
39.3km
02:50
400m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 160 m
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Max wind speed: 26.0 km/h
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New Fancy Viewpoint offers a variety of trails, including sections of the Colliers Trail, which is a surfaced cycling route. While some paths can be mucky, they are generally considered fun and manageable, making them suitable for beginners and families. The area is well-marked with colour-coded paths, and there are also horse paths.
Yes, New Fancy Viewpoint is considered very family-friendly. It's connected to surfaced cycling routes like the Colliers Trail, which are generally accessible. The site also features a picnic area and is described as a great snack stop, making it ideal for outings with children. While some trails might be muddy, many are manageable for various ages and abilities.
Yes, New Fancy Viewpoint is dog-friendly, making it a great spot for walks with your canine companion. While specific dog facilities like waste bins or water stations aren't explicitly mentioned, the extensive network of trails and open spaces provides ample opportunity for dogs to enjoy the outdoors. Please ensure dogs are kept under control, especially given the presence of wildlife.
New Fancy Viewpoint is rich in history and geology. You can explore the Mine Trail, which delves into the Forest of Dean's extensive mining heritage. Don't miss the Geomap, a large-scale representation of the underlying geology that you can walk across, featuring local rock samples and markers for historic mines. The Roll of Honour Sculpture also commemorates local miners, providing a poignant link to the area's industrial past.
New Fancy Viewpoint is renowned as an excellent spot for birdwatching, particularly for observing birds of prey. You might spot Goshawks, Buzzards, Ravens, Peregrine Falcons, and Sparrowhawks. In winter, Crossbills and Siskins are also common. Beyond birds, the area is home to Fallow Deer, Wild Boar, adders, and grass snakes, offering diverse wildlife viewing opportunities.
While New Fancy Viewpoint itself offers a picnic area and is described as a great snack stop, there are no immediate cafes or pubs directly on site. However, its connection to the Colliers Trail means it's linked to nearby villages, where you can find various amenities. For more detailed information on local establishments, you might consult resources like visitdeanwye.co.uk.
New Fancy Viewpoint offers free parking for visitors. The car park is located approximately two miles along a minor road, accessed by turning south off the B4226 Cinderford to Coleford road at Speech House. While parking is free, it's advisable to arrive earlier during peak times as it can fill up quickly, especially on busy weekends or during good weather.
The time required to explore New Fancy Viewpoint can vary depending on your chosen activity. A visit to the viewpoint itself for the panoramic views and a quick look at the historical features might take 30-60 minutes. If you plan to walk or cycle sections of the Colliers Trail or the Mine Trail, you could easily spend 1-3 hours or more, depending on the length of your chosen route. Many visitors enjoy it as a 'spot to take 5' or a longer family outing.
New Fancy Viewpoint is a fantastic destination throughout the year. For birdwatching, particularly raptors like Goshawks, spring and summer offer good chances, while winter can be excellent for Crossbills and Siskins. Autumn provides stunning displays of forest colours, making it a picturesque time for walks. The site's transformation from an industrial past to a natural haven is enjoyable in any season, though some trails can be mucky after rain.
While the provided information highlights connections to the Colliers Trail and the Mine Trail, specific details about dedicated circular walks directly from the viewpoint are not extensively detailed. However, the network of paths and trails in the Forest of Dean, including colour-coded routes, suggests that various circular options can be planned. Hikers often use mapping tools to create their own loops combining different sections of the trails in the area.