The best MTB trails around Piethorne Reservoir

There are over 80 mountain bike trails available around Piethorne Reservoir, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences.

The Piethorne Valley offers diverse terrain, including reservoir-side paths, wooded sections, and open moorland. You'll encounter rolling hills and varied surfaces, with some routes featuring technical sections and significant elevation changes, particularly for more advanced rides.

Yes, there are approximately 20 easy mountain bike trails in the Piethorne Reservoir area. These routes are generally less demanding, making them suitable for those new to mountain biking or looking for a more relaxed ride.

Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are 8 difficult mountain bike routes. These often include technical sections and significant elevation gains, such as the Hanging Lees Reservoir – Rocky Singletrack Descent loop from Milnrow, which features rocky singletrack.

While mountain biking, you can explore a network of Victorian reservoirs like Piethorne, Ogden, and Hanging Lees. The area also features scenic stone-step cascades, diverse woodlands, and open moorland. Historically, you might spot remains of old coal mine sites and ancient packhorse routes.

Yes, a significant draw for mountain bikers in the Piethorne Valley is its access to sections of the Pennine Bridleway. This National Trail is popular with mountain bikers and offers long-distance, largely off-road riding opportunities along ancient packhorse routes and newly created bridleways.

Many of the mountain bike routes in the Piethorne Reservoir area are circular loops. For example, the Hanging Lees Reservoir – Delph Donkey Line loop from Shaw and Crompton offers a substantial circular ride through varied landscapes.

The mountain bike trails around Piethorne Reservoir are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 120 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the scenic views across the valley, and the variety of routes catering to different skill levels.

Yes, parking is generally available near the Piethorne Reservoir area, often at designated car parks that serve the various trailheads. It's advisable to check specific starting points for routes for the most convenient parking options.

While the Piethorne Reservoir area is somewhat rural, some routes may be accessible via public transport connections to nearby towns like Milnrow or Shaw and Crompton. From these points, you might need to cycle a short distance to reach the trailheads. It's best to plan your specific route and check local bus services.

The Piethorne Reservoir area can be enjoyed year-round, but spring and autumn often offer the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can be challenging with potentially muddy or icy trails, though it offers a unique, rugged experience for prepared riders.

Many of the easier mountain bike trails around Piethorne Reservoir are suitable for families, particularly those that stick to wider reservoir-side paths. However, some routes involve significant climbs or technical sections, so it's important to choose trails appropriate for your family's skill and fitness levels.