castlemainmill Cottages are found in the heart of the Forest of Dean in Gloucestershire. The area is a mecca for mountain bikers, walkers and cyclists. I found them by chance and emailed the owner Elaine for availability. Now not every where you try is geared up for the unique things a mountain biker desires, these are basically somewhere safe to keep the bike, somewhere to dry wet or muddy clothes and be near some great trails and a pub to eat in. Castlemain Mill covers all of this and adds spotlessly clean and amazingly well kitted out accommodation and adds another pub, a cafe in the post office, a bike shop (with cafe) and an easy off road trail into the heart of the way marked trails from the Pedal a bike away centre. You would say this was perfection but there was more.Tony, partner of Elaine has an extensive knowledge of the forest and rides the trails himself. He helped us out with tools and even loaned us his own bike washing materials.
Both Elaine and Tony went out of their way to look after us, including home made short bread, jam and cake (still warm!) on our arrival. They even let us leave vehicles there after our check out time so we could get one more ride in before coming home.
If you're into bikes or if you are not, this is THE place to stay when visiting the area, it's even 2 minutes walk form a steam rail way!! Don't even think of going anywhere else.
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