The best traffic-free bike rides around Tunstall Reservoir

There are over 15 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Tunstall Reservoir, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels to explore the beautiful North Pennines landscape.

Yes, there are routes suitable for families. While the immediate reservoir path is more for walkers, the wider area offers quiet country lanes and dedicated cycle paths. For example, the Lanchester Valley Way – View of Lanchester Valley loop from Sand Edge Common is a moderate route that offers scenic views and is generally suitable for those looking for a less strenuous ride.

The routes around Tunstall Reservoir offer a picturesque and varied landscape. You'll cycle through rolling countryside, open fields, and species-rich woodland, especially along the eastern edge of the reservoir. The area is part of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, ensuring stunning natural vistas throughout your ride.

Many of the touring cycling routes in the area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Wolsingham Railway Station – Hamsterley Forest Car Park loop from Wolsingham offers a moderate circular option, taking you through diverse scenery.

Absolutely. Tunstall Reservoir is well-situated for connecting to broader cycling networks. The Waskerley Way, which is part of Sustrans Route 7 and the famous Coast to Coast (C2C) cycle route, passes about a mile north of the reservoir. This allows you to integrate a visit to Tunstall Reservoir into longer, established touring journeys.

The area is rich in wildlife. You might spot various bird species such as Great Crested grebe, tufted duck, goosander, moorhen, coot, and mallard, especially near the reservoir itself. Butterflies like admiral, small tortoiseshell, peacock, and meadow brown are also common in the nature reserve areas, particularly during warmer months.

Yes, for experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, there are several difficult routes available. Options like the Cragg Wood Singletrack – Pooh Stick Bridge loop from Wolsingham or the Cragg Wood Singletrack – Route 666 Trail loop from Wolsingham offer significant elevation gains and longer distances to test your endurance.

Wolsingham, a nearby village, offers various amenities including cafes and pubs where you can refuel. Hamsterley Forest, which some routes pass through or near, also has a café. It's always a good idea to check opening times, especially outside of peak season.

Spring and summer generally offer the most pleasant conditions for touring cycling, with milder weather and the countryside in full bloom. Autumn also provides beautiful scenery with changing leaf colours. While possible in winter, be prepared for colder temperatures and potentially wet or icy conditions.

Yes, parking is generally available at various access points for the cycling routes. Specific parking information can often be found on individual route descriptions on komoot, or at popular starting points like Wolsingham or Hamsterley Forest.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, the stunning natural beauty of the North Pennines, and the sense of tranquility found while exploring the diverse landscapes and woodlands.