The best cycling routes around Dale Dike Reservoir

There are over 120 touring cycling routes in the Dale Dike Reservoir area, catering to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy, moderate, and challenging options to explore the region's woodlands, pastures, and reservoirs.

The routes around Dale Dike Reservoir feature a diverse terrain. Many paths are mostly paved, ideal for touring bikes, but you'll also find options that include unpaved or gravel segments, offering a varied cycling experience through woodland and open pasture.

Yes, there are several easy routes perfect for a relaxed ride. For instance, the Bike loop from Low Bradfield is an easy 3.5-mile path that offers a gentle ride around the reservoir's tranquil setting, suitable for most fitness levels.

For expansive views, consider routes that venture slightly higher. The Blindside Climb – View of the Peak District loop from Ashopton is a moderate 17.4-mile trail that leads through scenic valleys and offers superb vistas of the Peak District National Park. Climbing west towards Derwent Edge and Back Tor also provides open views back down to the reservoirs.

The area is rich in natural beauty and historical significance. You'll cycle alongside a series of scenic reservoirs, including Dale Dike, Strines, Damflask, and Agden. The routes are surrounded by lush woodlands and open pastures. You can also find signage en route detailing the historical importance of Dale Dike Reservoir as the site of the 1864 Sheffield Flood.

Many of the touring cycling routes around Dale Dike Reservoir are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Bradfield Post Office Café – Myers Road loop from Low Bradfield, a moderate 13.5-mile route through varied terrain.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 240 reviews. Cyclists often praise the serene landscapes, the variety of routes catering to different abilities, and the peaceful backdrop of woodlands and open pastures.

Yes, for more experienced riders seeking a challenge, there are difficult routes with significant elevation. The View of Hope Valley – Ladybower Reservoir loop from Hollow Meadows is a difficult 17.8-mile route with substantial climbs, offering rewarding views of Hope Valley.

Absolutely. The charming nearby villages of High and Low Bradfield offer traditional English pubs such as The Old Horns Inn and The Plough Inn, which are excellent spots for refreshments and a meal after your ride. Low Bradfield also has a picturesque stream and picnic area.

While the region is primarily accessed by car, some routes, like the Blindside Climb – View of the Peak District loop from Ashopton, start from locations like Ashopton, which may have limited public transport links. It's advisable to check local bus services for connections to the villages surrounding the reservoir.

A great moderate option is the Rivelin Valley Bridleway – Crosspool Tawny Owl Tree loop from Hollow Meadows. This 13-mile route offers a balanced ride with varied terrain and scenic views, taking you through parts of the Rivelin Valley.