The best cycling routes around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir

There are over 60 touring cycling routes mapped around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir on komoot, offering a wide variety of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars.

Yes, the area offers several easy routes perfect for families and beginners. The Parkhead Station Café – Waskerley Way loop from Derwent Gorge and Muggleswick Woods National Nature Reserve is an excellent choice. This 16.8 km (10.4 miles) route follows the Waskerley Way Railway Path, providing a gentle, traffic-free experience. The Waskerley Way itself is a former railway line, ensuring a relatively flat gradient.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, there are several difficult routes with significant elevation gain. An example is the View from Crawleyside – Rookhope Arch loop from Burnhope Burn SSSI, which covers 83.7 km (52 miles) and features over 1450 meters of ascent, taking you through open moorland with rewarding views.

Yes, many routes around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Ruffside – Derwent Reservoir loop from Burnhope Burn SSSI is an easy 15.6 km (9.7 miles) circular route that takes you around Derwent Reservoir, offering scenic views.

Car parking is available at various points along the Waskerley Way, which provides excellent access to the reservoir area. You can find parking at locations such as Lydgett's Junction, Rowley, and Hawkburn Head. These spots are convenient starting points for many routes.

The region offers diverse and beautiful landscapes. You'll cycle through stunning countryside across the Durham moors, characterized by heather-covered expanses that are particularly vibrant when in bloom. The area also features tranquil reservoirs like Smiddy Shaw, Waskerley, and Hisehope, along with several burns (small streams) such as the Backstone and Hisehope burns. You might also spot ruined farmhouses, adding a historical touch to the remote scenery.

The diverse habitats around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir support a variety of wildlife. Cyclists often spot red grouse amongst the heather and red kites soaring overhead. Other bird species like snipe, golden plover, curlew (known for their distinctive calls), and lapwings are also common, enhancing the immersive outdoor experience.

Yes, there are options for refreshments. The Parkhead Station Café – Waskerley Way loop, for example, starts near Parkhead Station Café. For a pub experience, the View Across the Reservoir – The Lord Crewe Arms & Gardens loop from Burnhope Burn SSSI includes The Lord Crewe Arms & Gardens, offering a place to stop and refuel.

The best time for touring cycling around Smiddy Shaw Reservoir is generally from spring through autumn. During these seasons, the weather is more favorable, and the heather-covered moors are particularly beautiful when in bloom. While cycling is possible in winter, conditions can be challenging due to cold weather and potentially unpaved sections.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 150 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the blend of accessible, traffic-free paths like the Waskerley Way and the more challenging routes across open moorland. The tranquil reservoirs, stunning moorland scenery, and the sense of remoteness are also highly valued.

Absolutely. The View of Lanchester Valley – Lanchester Valley Way loop from Healeyfield is a moderate 36.3 km (22.5 miles) route that provides expansive views across the picturesque Lanchester Valley, showcasing the varied terrain of the area.

Yes, Smiddy Shaw Reservoir is part of a cluster of reservoirs, including Waskerley and Hisehope Reservoirs, allowing for longer, varied explorations. The Waskerley Way also connects to other local areas, and nearby attractions like Derwent Waterside Park and Pow Hill Country Park offer additional opportunities for outdoor activities and relaxation.