Ladybower Reservoir — Gravel Cycle Path
Ladybower Reservoir — Gravel Cycle Path
Highlight • Trail
Ladybower Reservoir — Gravel Cycle Path
Cycling
5.0
(145)
Mountain biking
5.0
(6)
Gravel riding
5.0
(4)
Hiking
5.0
(3)
Road cycling
5.0
(1)
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Tips
January 29, 2020
Cycling
May 1, 2022
Cycling
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June 30, 2023
Cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Ladybower Reservoir — Gravel Cycle Path
4.9
(84)
1,226
riders
Embark on a moderate touring bicycle loop around the Ladybower, Derwent, and Howden Reservoirs, covering 16.8 miles (27.0 km) with an elevation gain of 1186 feet (361 metres). This route typically takes around 2 hours to complete, winding through a landscape of majestic waters, rolling hills, and dense woodlands. You will experience a mix of mostly off-road trails and minor roads, with extensive paved surfaces and compacted gravel paths. The eastern edge of Ladybower Reservoir features a gravel track, offering a varied terrain as you cycle through the dramatic Upper Derwent Valley.
For your visit, the Fairholmes Visitor Centre is a common starting point, providing parking, refreshments, and bicycle hire facilities. The terrain is suitable for touring, hybrid, gravel, and mountain bikes, though some unpaved or rougher sections exist. Be aware that during winter, parts of the route might have puddle-filled potholes, and icy conditions can make certain sections challenging. While generally well-maintained, some gravel paths can be roughened by forestry work, so plan your ride accordingly.
This route offers a rich blend of natural beauty and history. You will pass the impressive, over 100-year-old gothic towers of the Howden and Derwent Dams, famous as a practice site for the
4.9
(14)
124
riders
This difficult touring bicycle loop from Edale covers 26.8 miles (43.1 km) with a significant 2298 feet (701 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete. You'll experience a diverse range of terrain, from the gentle gravel tracks along Ladybower Reservoir to the extremely challenging ascent of Winnats Pass. Winnats Pass itself is a dramatic sight, winding through a steep limestone gorge with rock faces on either side of the road. From its summit, you can enjoy panoramic vistas across the Hope Valley and spot Mam Tor. The route showcases the varied landscapes of the Peak District, including iconic reservoirs and dramatic gritstone edges.
Be prepared for a hard bike ride requiring very good fitness, especially for Winnats Pass, which features an average gradient of over 10% and maximums nearing 29%. If you stop on the steepest ramps, restarting can be nearly impossible. The road through Winnats Pass can be busy with motor traffic, and the steep inclines might cause cars to struggle. While the Ladybower section is flatter, expect puddle-filled potholes during winter. Some sections of country lanes and trails may also include unpaved or rougher surfaces with boulders.
This route is notable for incorporating Winnats Pass, considered one of the best climbs in the UK for cyclists seeking a significant challenge. You will also pass the Derwent Dam, a stunning neo-Gothic construction with historical significance as the training ground for the RAF's 617 Squadron, the "Dambusters," during World War II. During periods of low water levels, you might even glimpse the remains of a flooded village within Ladybower Reservoir.
4.9
(7)
200
riders
70.6km
05:16
1,100m
1,100m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 220 m
Weather
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Wednesday 24 June
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17°C
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Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h
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