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Ladybower Reservoir loop from Bamford — Peak District National Park

Ladybower Reservoir loop from Bamford — Peak District National Park

Hard

4.8

(66)

536

riders

Ladybower Reservoir loop from Bamford — Peak District National Park

03:25

42.3km

480m

Gravel riding

Embark on a challenging gravel biking adventure around the Ladybower Reservoir loop from Bamford, a difficult 26.3 miles (42.3 km) route that takes about 3 hours and 25 minutes to complete. This diverse trail offers panoramic views of Ladybower, Derwent, and Howden reservoirs, set against the backdrop of rolling hills…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Tips

Includes segments that go up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 37 m for 15 m

After 42.3 km for 15 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.08 km

Thornhill Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

A flat, easy-going cycle trail that is built on the old dam construction railway track. It's 2 miles (3 km) in length from the dam wall to the road that …

Tip by

3.75 km

Western Shore Road, Ladybower Reservoir

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

A pretty easy way to end a bunch of rides round these parts. Brings you out nicely at the reservoir crossing to nip back to the Ladybower Inn for some much needed sustenance!

Tip by

21.5 km

Westend River crossing at Ladybower Reservoir

Highlight • Bridge

Here, the quiet single carriageway tarmac road that runs along the western edge of Ladybower Reservoir crosses from one side of the valley to the other, passing over where the …

Tip by

25.1 km

Slippery Stones Bridge

Highlight • Viewpoint

This is a wonderful place to wild swim. A path brings you to a group of stones that emerge from the young Derwent River to create small waterfalls and a …

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35.2 km

Ladybower Reservoir — Gravel Cycle Path

Highlight • Trail

Along the eastern edge of Ladybower Reservoir, the track is gravel rather than a single lane road as is found on the opposite side. It's fairly flat with only gentle …

Tip by

42.3 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

16.9 km

10.0 km

8.33 km

4.10 km

2.11 km

797 m

< 100 m

Surfaces

16.5 km

14.3 km

6.99 km

4.50 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (310 m)

Lowest point (150 m)

Weather

Saturday 5 September

21°C

12°C

70 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

June 30, 2025,Peaks Gravel with Jackie - Ladybower, Derwent and Howden Reservoirs and the Thornhill Trail

Its a bit of a tourist route this one as everybody does it, but it is a really nice route - perfect for Jackies first ride in the Peak District, and with her new bike. What a day for it as well and topped off with a stop off at the visitors centre for an ice cream🍦

May 6, 2022,Hope - Derwent - Howden - Loop

A lovely extension to the Classic Dams Loop. Starting at the main carpark in HOPE .. (£6 all day)
Taking Aston Lane to Thornhill Trail.... adding 10 miles and 1000ft elevation to the classic...

A visit to Cafe Adventure is a must... as featured on this route 🚵‍♀️

Proficient Gravel Riders or MTB riders.