The best traffic-free bike rides around Howden Reservoir

There are over 25 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Howden Reservoir, offering a variety of experiences for different skill levels. You'll find options ranging from easy, family-friendly loops to more challenging, longer circuits.

Yes, Howden Reservoir offers several easy, traffic-free routes perfect for beginners and families. These often utilize well-made paths and lanes, with the road leading to the dams frequently closed to traffic on weekends. An excellent option is the Derwent Dam East Tower – Derwent Dam loop from Howden Reservoir, which is approximately 7 km long and has minimal elevation gain.

The area boasts stunning natural beauty, characterized by the 'Y-shaped' Howden Reservoir itself, dense forestation, and expansive moorlands. You'll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of forested hills and serene waters, especially vibrant during autumn. The tranquil environment is rich in wildlife, offering opportunities to spot various bird species like peregrine falcons and herons, as well as other mammals.

Cyclists can discover several impressive landmarks. The Howden Dam is an impressive feat of early 1900s engineering. Further north, Slippery Stones Packhorse Bridge is a picturesque turning point and picnic spot. The routes also pass through beautiful areas like the Derwent and Howden Reservoirs Gravel Trail and serene Forest Stream and Gravel Path sections.

Absolutely. For more experienced cyclists, there are longer and more challenging routes. Options include circuits encompassing all three reservoirs (Howden, Derwent, and Ladybower), which can be up to 25 km and involve a mixture of tarmac roads, smooth gravel trails, and some rougher sections. An example is the Ladybower & Derwent Reservoir loop from Fairholmes Car Park, which is a difficult 23.6 km ride.

The area is beautiful year-round, but autumn is particularly stunning when the tree colors are at their peak. Spring and summer offer pleasant weather for cycling. Weekends often see the road to the dams closed to traffic, making these times ideal for a truly traffic-free experience.

Yes, circular routes are a popular feature around Howden Reservoir. Many routes are designed as loops, often starting and ending at convenient points like the Fairholmes Visitor Centre. These can range from shorter loops around individual reservoirs to longer circuits encompassing multiple reservoirs, such as the Derwent Dam and Reservoir – Derwent Dam East Tower loop.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.65 out of 5 stars from over 180 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural beauty, the tranquility of the traffic-free paths, and the impressive engineering of the dams. The variety of routes catering to different abilities is also frequently highlighted.

The Fairholmes Visitor Centre, located near Ladybower Reservoir, is a central hub that provides essential facilities including parking. It serves as a convenient starting point for exploring the various routes around Howden Reservoir and the wider Upper Derwent Valley.

The Fairholmes Visitor Centre offers a café, making it a convenient spot for refreshments before or after your ride. While the routes themselves are primarily natural, the visitor center provides a good base for your cycling adventure.

The terrain varies, offering a mix of experiences. Many sections feature well-made paths and tarmac roads, especially around the dams. However, some routes, particularly longer loops, may include smooth gravel trails and short sections of rougher tracks. The western side of Howden often has smooth surfaces, while the northern side can have more incline and stone paths, and the eastern side may have dirt paths that can become muddy after rain. Hybrid or mountain bikes are recommended for the more varied routes.