I was planning to go to the Lakes this weekend but the weather forecast looks distinctly better further south so me and a mate are changing our plans and looking at the Forest of Dean as a destination. Looking for suggestions as to the best nearby town to stay, preferably with good pubs and suggestions for cheapish accomadation campsites and the best riding.

For camping this site is near the trails, a town and pubs and has looked after many a mountain bike group over the years.

http://www.campingintheforest.co.uk/england/forest-of-dean/bracelands-campsite

+1 for Bracelands. It’s a few K’s from the bike centre, but you can get there almost entirely off road (via Berry Hill and an OS map). There is also plenty to play on nearer to the campsite, you just need to explore. My advice would be to save the campsite side for the afternoon/evening, and end your ride at the Saracen’s Head down by the river near Symonds Yat. The landlord (Pete), if he still runs the place is a rider, so you’ll be made welcome. Take lights with you – you’ll be drunk and it’s a long pull back up to the campsite! 😆

+1 to Bracelands + Saracen’s Head 🙂

Be advised the cannop cycle centre (pedalabike) will be fairly rammed saturday and totally full on sunday due to a dh event. Dont let that put you off though:-)

As others have said above, Bracelands is a good site & Saracen’s Head a good pub (Yes, Pete is still owner and still a good chap 8) ). Good slog back up the hill though! (There’s also a small camp site next to the Saracen’s Head in Symonds Yat East, popular with canoeists).

Good riding close to the campsite although some parts of Highmeadow Woods are now being harvested 🙁

Like bigh says, DTV DH event at Pedalabikeaway on Sunday so will be rammed there, plenty of other riding though. Forecast is good, enjoy 8)

some places on here
http://www.fodmtb.com/#/links/4566252067