The best gravel rides around Fontburn Reservoir

The terrain around Fontburn Reservoir offers a varied experience. You'll find well-surfaced paths, particularly on the northern shore, suitable for gravel bikes. However, the southern shore can be more undulating, narrow, and potentially muddy in parts, adding a mix of challenges. Routes often traverse picturesque farmland and lush woodlands, providing diverse surfaces.

While the immediate circular path around Fontburn Reservoir is relatively level and well-surfaced in sections, making it suitable for families, some routes in the wider area are rated moderate or difficult. For a dedicated family cycling experience, the nearby Wallington Estate, a National Trust property, offers the 'Dragon Cycle Trail' which explores woodlands and provides scenic views.

The gravel bike trails around Fontburn Reservoir cater to a range of abilities. You'll find several routes rated as moderate, such as the Whitefield Trail – Viewpoint on Simonside Hills loop from Whitton and Tosson, which is 19.5 km long. There are also more challenging, difficult routes available, including the 34.2 km Simonside Car Park – Viewpoint on Simonside Hills loop from Whitton and Tosson.

Yes, many of the gravel bike routes in the Fontburn Reservoir area are designed as loops. For instance, the Descent Toward Harwood – View of Northumberland Forest loop from Harwood offers a 27.2 km circular ride through Northumberland Forest. The reservoir itself also has a circular path, though some sections may be more challenging for gravel bikes.

Fontburn Reservoir is a designated local wildlife site, offering opportunities to spot diverse fauna. You might encounter red squirrels, badgers, roe deer, stoats, common lizards, adders, and slow worms. The area is also home to various bird species, including migrant songbirds like redstart, and several amphibian species such as common frogs, toads, and newts.

There are two Northumbrian Water pay and display car parks conveniently located on site at Fontburn Reservoir. These provide easy access to the trails and amenities.

Yes, Fontburn Reservoir offers several amenities to enhance your visit. On the south shore, you'll find a visitor center with toilets and a shop selling light refreshments. There's also a children's play area and designated picnic spots, making it a suitable destination for groups.

The Fontburn Reservoir area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Many gravel bikers appreciate the varied terrain, from well-surfaced paths to more challenging, undulating sections, and the serene, picturesque setting of the reservoir surrounded by farmland and woodlands.

Absolutely. Several routes in the area provide stunning views of the Simonside Hills. A popular option is the Whitefield Trail – Viewpoint on Simonside Hills loop from Whitton and Tosson, which is a moderate 19.5 km path specifically designed to lead to these scenic viewpoints.

Yes, you can explore Northumberland Forest on a gravel bike from the Fontburn Reservoir area. The Descent Toward Harwood – View of Northumberland Forest loop from Harwood is a 27.2 km trail that takes you through this beautiful forest, offering a rewarding ride.

A unique and interesting feature at Fontburn Reservoir is its 'plughole,' which is technically known as a shaft spillway. This structure plays a crucial role in regulating water levels by safely releasing excess water into the nearby river.

For those seeking a longer and more challenging ride, the area offers difficult routes such as the Viewpoint on Simonside Hills – Codger Fort loop from Harwood. This route spans 32.3 km and features significant elevation changes, providing a demanding yet rewarding experience.