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Mallard, Ross-On-Wye

Guest Rating
Rating
4.9
out of 5
Sleeps up to 4
Hot Tub
Bedrooms: 2

Mallard is a lakeside lodge in Herefordshire, sitting on the edge of Phocle Lakes near Ross-on-Wye. This two-bedroom retreat offers direct access to fishing right outside your door. The property features modern comforts with stunning water views from almost every window. Fancy catching 30 carp like one lucky guest did? You might need to bring your own fishing rod though - unlike the excuses you'll make for staying in the hot tub all day.

Set in peaceful surroundings, this spot gives you the perfect mix of seclusion and accessibility. The Forest of Dean sits nearby with miles of walking trails and cycling routes. Wildlife watchers will spot plenty of birds and maybe even deer if you're quiet enough.

 

About Mallard

Mallard is a lakeside lodge in Herefordshire, sitting on the edge of Phocle Lakes near Ross-on-Wye. This two-bedroom retreat offers direct access to fishing right outside your door. The property features modern comforts with stunning water views from almost every window. Fancy catching 30 carp like one lucky guest did? You might need to bring your own fishing rod though - unlike the excuses you'll make for staying in the hot tub all day.

Set in peaceful surroundings, this spot gives you the perfect mix of seclusion and accessibility. The Forest of Dean sits nearby with miles of walking trails and cycling routes. Wildlife watchers will spot plenty of birds and maybe even deer if you're quiet enough. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want nature on their doorstep without sacrificing comfort. The pub's just a 10-minute walk away too - handy for when you've had enough nature for one day.

Inside Mallard you'll find an open-plan living area with kitchen, dining and sitting zones. Two bedrooms await - one king-size double with en-suite shower and a twin room (which can be converted to another king if needed) with its own en-suite bathroom. Both rooms have TVs. Every modern convenience is provided including dishwasher, washing machine, WiFi and Smart TV. The lodge even offers wheelchair access with a ramp available on request.

Fancy exploring? Visit Goodrich Castle (7 miles, 15 minutes) to see a perfectly preserved medieval fortress. Symonds Yat Rock (8 miles, 20 minutes) offers breathtaking views over the Wye Valley. Puzzlewood (12 miles, 25 minutes) features ancient woodland that inspired Tolkien. The historic market town of Ross-on-Wye (4 miles, 10 minutes) has independent shops and riverside pubs.

Mallard is ideal for fishing fans, nature lovers or anyone needing a peaceful break. Soak in your private hot tub overlooking the lake after a day exploring the Forest of Dean. Couples love the romantic setting while families appreciate the space and amenities. Check your dates today!

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At Sykes Cottages

Need To Know

More Cottages With Hot Tubs You May Like

What Guests Love

Discover why our guests keep coming back to Mallard

Lakeside Location

Lodge sits right on the fishing lake with gorgeous views and direct access for anglers. Perfect peaceful setting for morning coffee.

Hot Tub Relaxation

Private hot tub on the patio overlooking the water. Guests love unwinding here after exploring the Forest of Dean.

Spotlessly Clean

The lodge is consistently praised for being immaculately maintained with tasteful furnishings and excellent attention to detail.

Well-Equipped Kitchen

Everything you need for self-catering with modern appliances including dishwasher, oven, microwave, fridge and freezer.

Comfortable Beds

Quality mattresses and bedding ensure a good night's sleep. Both bedrooms feature their own en-suite bathrooms.

Peaceful Atmosphere

Guests repeatedly mention the tranquil setting and how relaxing their stay was. Perfect for unwinding and recharging.

Getting To Mallard

Find your way to your perfect countryside retreat

By Car

To reach Mallard by car, take the A40 toward Ross-on-Wye and follow signs for Phocle Green. The lodge is located at Phocle Lakes with good access from main roads and ample parking for three cars on arrival.

By Train

For rail travelers, the nearest station is Gloucester, about 16 miles from the accommodation. From there, you'll need to take a taxi to complete your journey to the lakeside lodge.

Off-road parking for three cars
Gloucester station (16 miles)
Easily accessible from the A40

Attractions & More Nearby

Everything you need within easy reach

Goodrich Castle
Distance: 7 miles
HR9 6HY
Symonds Yat Rock
Distance: 8 miles
HR9 6PJ
Puzzlewood
Distance: 12 miles
GL16 8QB
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
Distance: 10 miles
GL16 7EL
Wye Valley Walk
Distance: 5 miles
HR9 6DA
May Hill National Trust
Distance: 9 miles
GL17 0NF
Ross-on-Wye Town Centre
Distance: 4 miles
HR9 5HL
Gloucester Quays Outlet
Distance: 16 miles
GL1 5SH
Hereford Old Market Shopping Centre
Distance: 15 miles
HR4 9HR
Local Bus Service
Distance: 1.5 miles
HR9 7TT
Gloucester Railway Station
Distance: 16 miles
GL1 1DT
Taxi Services in Ross-on-Wye
Distance: 4 miles
HR9 5HL
Goodrich Castle
Distance: 7 miles
HR9 6HY
Symonds Yat Rock
Distance: 8 miles
HR9 6PJ
Puzzlewood
Distance: 12 miles
GL16 8QB
Forest of Dean Sculpture Trail
Distance: 10 miles
GL16 7EL
Wye Valley Walk
Distance: 5 miles
HR9 6DA
May Hill National Trust
Distance: 9 miles
GL17 0NF
Ross-on-Wye Town Centre
Distance: 4 miles
HR9 5HL
Gloucester Quays Outlet
Distance: 16 miles
GL1 5SH
Hereford Old Market Shopping Centre
Distance: 15 miles
HR4 9HR
Local Bus Service
Distance: 1.5 miles
HR9 7TT
Gloucester Railway Station
Distance: 16 miles
GL1 1DT
Taxi Services in Ross-on-Wye
Distance: 4 miles
HR9 5HL

Is Mallard Right For You?

Discover why this cottage is ideal for different types of visitors

For Families
Kids will love watching wildlife around the lake and exploring the nearby Forest of Dean. Puzzlewood (12 miles away) offers magical woodland walks that have featured in Star Wars and Doctor Who. The Go Ape treetop adventure (10 miles) provides thrilling high ropes courses. Child life jackets are provided at the lodge for safety near the water.
For Couples
Mallard offers couples a peaceful lakeside retreat with stunning views. The private hot tub is perfect for stargazing with a glass of wine. Both bedrooms can be configured as king-size doubles with en-suites for maximum comfort. The nearby Wye Valley provides romantic walking routes, while Ross-on-Wye has intimate restaurants for evening meals.
Pet Friendly
This property does not accept pets. The no-pet policy helps maintain the accommodation to a high standard for guests with allergies. There are many pet-friendly alternatives in the area if you're planning to travel with your dog.

Dining & Cafes

Taste the local flavours during your stay at Mallard

The Moody Cow

Located 3.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: HR9 7QR

The Loughpool Inn

Located 0.5 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: HR9 7TT

The Kings Head Hotel

Located 4 miles from your accommodation.

Postcode: HR9 5HL

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick answers to our most common questions about Mallard

Does this cottage have a hot tub?
Yes, Mallard features a private hot tub located on the patio in the lakeside garden. It's perfectly positioned for enjoying views across the water while you relax.
Is it pet friendly?
No, Mallard does not accept pets. The property maintains a strict no-pets policy to ensure the accommodation remains suitable for guests with allergies.
What fishing facilities are available?
The lodge sits directly on Phocle Lakes with private fishing access. You'll need your own license and equipment for coarse fishing and only barbless hooks are permitted.
Are there any special requirements for fishing?
You must have a valid fishing license and appropriate expertise for coarse fishing. Only barbless hooks are allowed and the owner can provide more specific information about fishing regulations.
Is the property accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, Mallard offers wheelchair access with a ramp available upon request. The ground floor layout and en-suite facilities make it suitable for guests with limited mobility.
What's provided in terms of entertainment?
The lodge comes with a Smart TV with Freeview in the main living area plus two additional TVs in the bedrooms. WiFi is available throughout and there's also a radio.
Can the sleeping arrangements be modified?
Yes, the bedroom configuration can be adjusted. The twin beds can be linked to form a king-size double, but you must request this at least one week before arrival.
How far are the nearest shops and pubs?
The nearest shop is 1.5 miles from the property. There's a pub within easy walking distance, just 10 minutes away on foot.

Mallard Reviews

We certainly weren't disappointed. Mallard is set in a great location is very picturesque, the view from the lounge was just amazing, looking onto the lake. We had a lovely relaxing holiday. The hot tub was a big bonus, after spending the day exploring the local area. The accommodation is well equipped. We would certainly recommend a stay at Mallard, and would love to return in the future.
I have no issue with the property or property owner. In fact she could not have been more helpful. My issue is with Sykes itself. I had to change the date which the property owner said would be no problem. However to change the date with you took over 24 hours. Your system would not let me as the date was blocked off and all I got was messages back from you to do it online or through your app which was impossible. Eventually I managed to get a message through via a webchat. Had I been able to telephone you, we could have sorted it out in 2 minutes but you have made it impossible to contact you by phone. I also wrote a letter to your managing director and never had the courtesy of a reply. Quite frankly it makes me very reluctant to book through you again.
Was such a relaxing week at Phocle lakes the grandkids are wanting to come back next year , happy days.
Dennis
We had a most enjoyable week's holiday. The lake fishing was good, in very pleasant surroundings.
An excellent place to have high quality downtime. The lodge is wellequipped as well as being handily located for the Forest of Dean. The views of the lake from the lodge are excellent not overlooked at all. The hot tub is a delight.
Deborah
Had a lovely time at this lovely lodge had everything we needed and more my ... Had a lovely time at this lovely lodge had everything we needed and more my partner was fishing and caught about 30 carp during a long weekend beautiful location loved seeing the rabbits and ducks just outside the lodge great location for Symons yat and Ross on Wye will definitely visit again and recommend to family and friends
Excellent place with lovely scenery, everything ha been thought of
Excellent well appointed lodger on a beautiful lakeside just outside Ross on Wye. Great location to chill out after exploring the Wye Valley.
Teresa
Peaceful & beautiful spot. Great fishing for my husband who caught several sizeable carp. Hot tub an extra bonus. Lodge was spotless & tastefully furnished & well equipped. Bed comfortable. Can't fault it & would definitely return.
Andrew
Really enjoyed our stay. In touch with nature , peace and quiet and a lovely lodge. Comfortable beds , super shower a home from home .
Fabulous lodge, clean, tidy, well maintained and great amenities such as the hot tub and proximity of the fishing lake. Will look to return at some time
Really enjoyed our stay. In touch with nature , peace and quiet and a lovely lodge. Comfortable beds , super shower a home from home .
Stephanie
The lodge was brilliant so beautifully located and inside was perfectly looked after with so many little extras for to make you feel at home. The location couldn't be bettered. On its own by the side of the beautiful lake with squirrels rabbits moorhens and even a heron. This along with ducks and their 7 babies which kept us busy feeding them all week! There were goldfinches blackbirds magpies along with other birds and large fish in the lake. In all a perfect place and lodge for perfect relaxation along with of course the gorgeous hottub which was just at the right temperature. Not too hot until some! Thank you so much to the owners of Mallard for sharing this beautiful place with us.Steph.
Kathrine
Thank you we had the perfect week with our granddaughters, everything and more was available within the lodge hot tub was a huge hit, beds very comfortable. The wildlife was amazing we were visited on many occasions on all days by the ducks with their babies we loved it. Went out and about Wye Valley, Go ApeSegways so much fun and the weather was absolutely gorgeous Fabulous holiday had by all thank you again.
Rachel
We booked a last minute break for Christmas. Communication was really good with lots of useful information. The lodge is tricky to find as the sat nav takes you past the site. As soon as you see the sign for Phocle Green its down a dirt track then a sharp left where its says phocle Lake private land. We chose Mallard which is one of only four lodges onsite so its secluded and quiet. We were pleased with the location onsite as it was the furthest away from the entrance and at the edge so no one else had to come past our lodge. However other lodge visitors walking around the lake did walk past as probably didn't realise it was a dead end. Upon arrival we were surprised by a Christmas tree along with prosecco and mince pies which was lovely. The place was immaculate, exactly as pictures and smelt nice. It was spacious with two decent size bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. Supplies included were sachets of tea, coffee and sugar. Anti bac spray, tea towel, dish cloth and dishwasher tabs. Hand and bath towels along with separate towels for the hot tub, hairdryer, toilet rolls, tubes of shower gel, shampoo and conditioner. The only things I would have liked to be included which were not is a small bottle of milk so we could have had a hot drink on arrival. Some cooking oil, salt and pepper as you only need a small amount for the times you choose to cook. Also some washing up liquid for when you only have a couple of items so don't need to use the dishwasher. The place is so relaxing with beautiful lakeside views with the bonus of the hot tub which we made use of even in the horrible weather. We saw rabbits, a stoat, a heron and lots of birds. We did have a few negatives but don't let this put you off booking as they aren't a problem if you are aware of them. We chose a place with TVs in each bedroom but we could only get a couple of BBC channels so had to stay in the living area instead of relaxing in bed. We would have liked to have sat out on the patio of an evening or spend time in the hot tub after dark, as it turned dark just after 4pm. However there was no outside lighting. There was a switch for an outside light but it only seemed to stay on for a few minutes then switched itself off. We left it on when we went shopping but came back to complete darkness so struggled to get from the car up the steps with our bags. They do supply torches but when hands are full it would be impoved with a few solar lights around the hot tub area and a light that can be left on by the front door and patio. We did find as the central heating was on timer we were cold at times so could have benefited from some more throws. The fire in the living area is just a flame effect with not much heat from a fan heater underneath it. So after coming out of the hot tub we could have done with an actual fire to get warm and dry our swim gear. It was winter with minus temperatures though so its probably not an issue when staying at other times of the year. For cooking lots of cutlery, crockery, pans etc were supplied, so cooking isn't too much of a problem. We could have done with some foil, a couple more pans for the hob and a casserole dish or deep roasting tray with rack but we managed to cook Christmas dinner by keeping stuff warm in dishes and reusing pans. Finally even though we loved the location the road directly behind the hedge is very close so you do get road noise. Its an excellent base for visiting loads of places. Very close to Ross on Wye with several supermarkets and pubs. The Moody Cow pub 4 mins drive was exceptional service and quality food. Also recommend short 20 min drive into Ledbury where the Feathers hotel is popular. Gloucester docks is around 25 mins drive. Hereford is around 30 mins with lots of independent shops. All in all I can honestly say we were very pleased with our choice, the negatives are minor, we have already recommended it and look forward to returning. Thank you to the owners for enabling us to have an enjoyable Christmas.
Excellent accommodation, very well fitted out with all mod cons. Comfortable and cosy in a beautiful well maintained setting. Communication and key pick up was seamless.
Christopher
Excellent all round holiday
I would just like to thank you we had a lovely holiday and the place we stayed ... I would just like to thank you we had a lovely holiday and the place we stayed in was beautiful I would go back definitely and I will be recommending it to everyone thank you again
A second visit to Phocle Lake. Great stay and could not fault a thing. Have already booked to return next year.
Katherine
The lodge was beautiful and we really enjoyed the peace and watching the local wildlife birds, ducks, moorhens, rabbits even a hare. Husband caught several large fish. Very helpful having a washing machine. Ross on Wye Morrisons nearby and we liked the Beefeater round the corner. Definitely plan to return.
Cheryl
The lake is beautifully landscaped and only 4 lodges. Lots of wildlife including moorhens with their chicks, herons and families of rabbits. Extremely clean and comfortable lodge. Very well designed with plenty of light and a lovely view of the lake. Bathrooms are modern and wellfitted. Ample space for four throughout so our party of two was spoiled for space. The lodge loses a star as there was no mention of road noise. The M50 is close enough to be heard in the distance, and the lane running behind the lodge, although hidden by a high hedge, has more traffic use than its narrow size would suggest. Kitchen is well equipped except for an odd for us lack of frying pan and grill, so a full English is off the menu. It wasn't a major problem but these are pretty standard items of kitchen equipment so we noticed their absence. These are minor criticisms in the overall scheme and we would definitely recommend.
Sandra
Lovely property, spent a very relaxing week with beautiful quiet surroundings. Loved the hot tub.
Claire
This property exceeded our expectations. On arriving and seeing the cabin at the end of the lake we were immediately pleased, and proved to be tranquil and relaxing. The cabin was immaculate and had everything we needed. We felt very comfortable and slept well. The hot tub was a treat and very much enjoyed. We would definitely recommend and would return.
Bernadette
Beautiful lodge in a quiet, peaceful location. Perfect for getting away from with lots of walks and places to visit in easy reach.
Beautiful lodge, excellent facilities and great use of hotub. Highly recommended.
Had a wonderful relaxing time. Lovely cottage, good facilities. Amazingly dark skies, perfect for stargazing, from the hot tub! Only thing missing was a few boardgames or similar, should have taken a few ourselves!
William
Lovely log cabin in a really beautiful setting by a tranquil lake. Very comfortable and very well appointed.
Joanne
Mallard was a really well sited lodge on a private lake. The grounds and lake are beautifully managed. It was pleasantly presented,warm,and well thought through in respect of the space. The Hot Tub was excellent and private. A nice touch of providing towels by the owner for the hot tub, in addition to other towels and linen. There were a couple of minor issues regarding some chipped crockery and a chip in the basin of one of the en suites, they did not affect our enjoyment of the lodge. The owner Liz was very easy to speak to and said she would rectify these problems. The surrounding area and towns were lovely and lots of historical interest too. A good choice for a holiday.
Great spot if you want to relax and do a spot of fishing, lovely area close to ... Great spot if you want to relax and do a spot of fishing, lovely area close to Ross for all your needs would recommend even if you dont fish, the view is lovely
You get what you pay for and in our Opinion we could not find fault. Very clean and well equipped and in a lovely peaceful setting. You had everything you needed as well as being close to so many local areas of interest.
Rebecca
Fantastic accommodation in a beautiful location. Lovely family holiday, thank you.
Very well appointed and comfortable in a lovely quiet rural location The jacuzzi was the icing on the cake
Lovely secluded lodge in a beautiful location with everything we needed. Fishing was great too
Great place, great location will certainly be back
Beautiful location and amazing lodge, couldnt fault anything. The Moody Cow pub approx 1 mile down the road offers exceptional food
Wonderfully decorated, peaceful lodge. It is completely private where it is positioned and is beautifully designed and kitted our with everything you could possibly need. The position and view on the edge of the lake makes the location very special and there is loads to do locally. The Forest of Dean has so much to offer for outdoor lovers. The hot tub was fantastic! The whole booking process was also very easy. The only possible improvement could be that the water takes a long time to run warm and could be hotter. Thank you for a lovely stay.
Michelle
Accommodation was immaculate. The lodge had everything you could possibly need. Perfect location and will definitely consider going back again.
Matthew
The cabin was very well presented and we had a great relaxing stay, the small touches were really appreciated and the hot tub was so nice to use in the evenings!
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