The best gravel rides around Chelker Reservoir

There are over 20 gravel bike trails in the Chelker Reservoir area, offering a diverse range of routes for different skill levels. You'll find everything from easy canal paths to challenging moorland climbs.

Yes, for an easier ride, consider the Leeds & Liverpool Canal – Bingley Five Rise Locks loop from Steeton and Silsden. This 14.4-mile route follows gentle canal paths, making it suitable for all skill levels and a great option for families.

For a more challenging experience, the Barden Moor Track – Barden Moor Estate Track loop from Bolton Abbey offers significant climbs and expansive moorland views over 22.7 miles. Another demanding option is the Rombald's Ride from Ilkley — Nidderdale National Landscape, which covers 19.3 miles through open moorland.

Many of the gravel routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Barden Moor Estate Track – Barden Moor Track loop from Addingham, which is a challenging 37.9-mile circular route, and the easier canal loop mentioned previously.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking around Chelker Reservoir, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be great, but be prepared for potentially busier trails. Winter riding is possible but requires appropriate gear due to colder, wetter conditions.

During winter, trails around Chelker Reservoir can be wet, muddy, and exposed to strong winds, especially on the open moorland sections. Some higher elevation tracks may experience ice or snow. It's advisable to check local weather forecasts and trail conditions before heading out and to equip your bike with appropriate tires and gear for challenging surfaces.

Parking is available at various points surrounding the Chelker Reservoir area, often near trailheads or in nearby villages like Bolton Abbey, Ilkley, or Steeton and Silsden, which serve as starting points for many routes. Always check local signage for parking restrictions and fees.

Yes, many routes pass through or near charming villages in the Yorkshire Dales fringe where you can find cafes and traditional pubs. For example, routes starting from Ilkley or Bolton Abbey offer opportunities for refreshments before, during, or after your ride.

The gravel trails around Chelker Reservoir offer diverse scenery, from open moorland with expansive views across the Yorkshire Dales to tranquil reservoir-side paths and quiet country lanes. You'll encounter rolling hills, some steeper ascents, and characteristic Dales landscapes.

Several towns and villages near Chelker Reservoir, such as Ilkley and Steeton and Silsden, have train stations with connections to larger cities. From these points, you can often access trailheads directly or with a short ride. Bus services also operate in the wider area, though routes and bike carriage policies vary.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.2 stars from 12 reviews. Riders frequently praise the varied terrain, from gentle canal paths to challenging moorland tracks, and the beautiful, expansive views characteristic of the Yorkshire Dales fringe.

While popular routes like the Barden Moor Estate Track offer well-known challenges, exploring the network of smaller tracks and bridleways connecting the main trails can reveal quieter, less-trafficked sections. The East Morton to Silsden Road – Keighley Gate Climb loop from Ilkley, for instance, offers a challenging 19.7-mile ride through varied landscapes that might feel like a discovery.