Reservoirs, Hills, Views & Passes

Service Description

Set in the Dark Peak and well renowned for training the 617 Squadron Dambuster sorties, the Derwent Valley Reservoirs are also some of the most picturesque and hence popular cycling trails to be found. Quiet tarmac roads combine with smooth dirt tracks to allow easy biking and fantastic views of landscape, engineering and wildlife. The tracks are undulating but no issue for e bikes. The route starts at the Bike and Boot and soon joins quiet country lanes and the Thornhill Trail to pass below Win Hill and reach the reservoir. It may be necessary to dismount to reach the main road and then just a short run over the Ladybower Bridge on the A57 to the main Fairholmes entrance. The route is clockwise around the reservoir and travels north initially hugging the west edge of the Derwent and Howden Reservoirs on tarmac. Eventually gravel tracks reach the head of the reservoir and return taking you down the eastern edge of the water passing the opposite side to Fairholmes. However instead of crossing here, our route follows dirt tracks to reach the Snake Pass. Then it is a short return through Thornhill this time before returning to the starting point of your journey. Difficulty – Green Easy Tour Theme - Rivers & Resevoirs Distance - 22 miles Surface - Short distance of main road, minor roads, trails and off road. It may be necessary to dismount for a short distance. Time allocated - 3 hours Refreshment Stop Options - Bike and Boot, Fairholmes & Yorkshire Bridge Tour Ref - 22