Things to Do around Ruardean
Ruardean is a region situated on a hillside within the Forest of Dean, Gloucestershire, bordering the Wye Valley. This area is characterized by ancient woodlands, rolling hills, and diverse terrain, offering panoramic views towards the Welsh mountains and over the River Wye. Its landscape provides a setting for several outdoor activities like mountain biking, touring cycling, hiking, gravel biking, and more.
Things to Do in Ruardean
For those seeking things to do in Ruardean, the region offers more than 10…
88
Routes
4.7
(414)
Average rating
8225
People visited
4.8
(124)
1,886
riders
11.0km
01:01
170m
160m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(83)
801
riders
17.5km
01:19
160m
160m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(7)
400
riders
11.6km
01:04
180m
170m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.8
(78)
2,003
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.
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4.0
(2)
4
riders
26.5km
02:06
440m
450m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
5.0
(3)
93
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
27
riders
21.4km
01:20
200m
200m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
24
riders
11.9km
01:05
130m
130m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(19)
97
hikers
9.51km
02:41
190m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
21
hikers
11.1km
03:07
220m
220m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.2
(5)
46
hikers
11.5km
02:59
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
16
hikers
12.4km
03:30
250m
250m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
36
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
21
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
9
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
13
riders
69.8km
04:57
1,100m
1,100m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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13
riders
86.7km
04:29
1,320m
1,320m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
13
riders
42.8km
02:15
500m
500m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
11
riders
27.7km
01:25
400m
400m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
9
riders
44.0km
02:19
710m
710m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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5.0
(1)
11
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7
runners
8.98km
01:02
230m
230m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6
runners
13.3km
01:35
310m
310m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
runners
10.1km
01:11
230m
230m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Most popular attractions in Ruardean
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Ruardean?
Ruardean offers a range of outdoor activities including Mountain biking, Touring cycling, Hiking, Gravel biking, Road cycling, and Jogging. The region features diverse landscapes within the Forest of Dean and on the edge of the Wye Valley, providing varied terrain for exploration.
What are the most popular mountain biking trails in Ruardean?
Popular mountain biking trails in the Ruardean area include the Verderers' Trail (blue-graded) for mixed skill levels, and the more challenging Freeminers Trail (red-graded). For expert riders, the Sallowvallets area offers steep downhill trails. More details can be found in the MTB Trails around Ruardean guide.
Are there mountain biking trails suitable for beginners in Ruardean?
Yes, the Verderers' Trail, an 6.8 mile (11 km) blue-graded trail, is suitable for beginners to more experienced riders with moderate climbs and features. Additionally, the 10.9 mile (17.5 km) Family Cycle Trail is a green-graded, circular off-road route ideal for families and beginners.
What cycling routes are available for touring cyclists in Ruardean?
Touring cyclists can explore routes like the 28-mile Newent Cycling Loop on quiet country roads, or the Peregrine Path along the River Wye. The 5-mile Wye Valley Greenway offers a traffic-free ride through scenic areas. For more options, consult the Cycling around Ruardean guide.
Where can one go hiking in Ruardean?
Hikers can explore numerous trails through ancient woodlands and river valleys. Notable spots include May Hill Summit for expansive views, Symonds Yat for picturesque views over the River Wye, and Ruardean Hill for views towards the Malvern Hills. The Hiking around Ruardean guide provides further details.
Are there family-friendly outdoor activities in Ruardean?
Yes, the 10.9 mile (17.5 km) Family Cycle Trail is a green-graded, circular off-road route perfect for families and beginners. Many hiking trails through the woodlands and along the River Wye are also suitable for families. The area offers diverse options for various age groups.
What are the main natural features or viewpoints in Ruardean?
Ruardean is situated within the Forest of Dean and on the edge of the Wye Valley, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Key features include the meandering River Wye, May Hill Summit, and Ruardean Hill, which offer expansive views towards the Welsh borders and the River Severn.
How popular is Ruardean for outdoor activities on komoot?
Ruardean is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 58,000 visitors having explored its routes. The region features 15 routes across various sports, which have an average rating of 4.53 out of 5 stars from nearly 4,000 ratings.
Are there komoot guides available for Ruardean?
Yes, komoot offers several guides for Ruardean, including MTB Trails around Ruardean, Cycling around Ruardean, Hiking around Ruardean, and Gravel biking around Ruardean.
What kind of terrain is suitable for gravel biking in Ruardean?
The Forest of Dean, encompassing Ruardean, is known for its extensive network of wide, gravel forest roads and singletrack bridleways. The terrain offers a mix of smooth, fast-flowing gravel, flat sections, and some punchy climbs, making it suitable for various skill levels.
Is there a specific trail for gravel biking in Ruardean?
The Colliers Trail is a well-known, waymarked, circular route ideal for gravel biking. It takes riders through popular spots like the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, Beechenhurst, and Mallards Pike, offering diverse terrain and scenic beauty.
What is the official website for Ruardean?
The official website for the Ruardean Parish Council, which serves the local community, is ruardeanpc.org.uk.
How can I contact Ruardean by phone?
The phone number for the Ruardean Parish Council is 01594 543249. This contact can provide information related to the local community and services.
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