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Bosley Reservoir

The best traffic-free bike rides around Bosley Reservoir

4.5

(210)

3,636

riders

150

rides

No traffic touring cycling routes around Bosley Reservoir offer diverse terrain across the eastern edge of Cheshire, near the Peak District National Park. The area features the picturesque Bosley Reservoir itself, surrounded by rolling hills of the Cheshire Plain and wooded areas. Cyclists can explore routes that incorporate the historic Macclesfield Canal and its locks, providing a blend of waterside paths and elevated viewpoints. The landscape includes varied surfaces, from well-paved sections to more adventurous segments.

Best no traffic touring cycling routes around Bosley Reservoir

  • The most popular no traffic touring cycling route is Ridgegate Reservoir – Bottoms Reservoir loop from Oakgrove, a 8.3 miles (13.3 km) trail that takes 54 minutes to complete. This moderate route offers scenic views of two reservoirs and the surrounding countryside.
  • Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is Rudyard Lake – Leek and Rudyard Railway loop from Rushton, an easy 10.7 miles (17.3 km) path. This route features mostly flat terrain around Rudyard Lake and along a historic railway line.
  • Local touring cyclists also love the The Manifold Way – Thorncliffe Bank Summit loop from Rushton, a 40.9 miles (65.8 km) trail leading through varied landscapes including the Manifold Way and challenging climbs to Thorncliffe Bank Summit, often completed in about 4 hours 36 minutes.
  • Touring cycling around Bosley Reservoir is defined by rolling hills, waterside trails along the reservoir and canals, and wooded sections. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy, mostly flat routes to more challenging paths with significant elevation gains.
  • The routes in Bosley Reservoir are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 210 reviews. More than 3600 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Bosley Reservoir's varied terrain.

Last updated: October 16, 2026

5

riders

#1.

Railway Bridge – Bottoms Reservoir loop from Oakgrove

13.4km

00:54

210m

210m

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Popular around Bosley Reservoir

Traffic-free bike rides around Bosley Reservoir

Traffic-free bike rides around Bosley Reservoir

Tips from the Community

Misty Phil Hardy
May 25, 2026, Greenway Next to Rudyard Lake

Great riding alongside the lake

0

0

Good selection of beers and great views

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Path currently CLOSED, this section along the South Side of Ridgegate Reservoir and along the Dam wall (August 2025)

1

0

A nice tarmac trail.

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One of the many trails in the Peak District. You can cycle just this route, or join it up with others nearby.

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If there are people in the cave you can hear them from the trail. It is possible to climb up to the cave.

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Quite a few people hike up, but I didn't. The Manifold Trail is great anyway

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Nice view up to Thor's cave. There is a place to lock the bike up if you want to visit the cave.

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0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many no traffic touring cycling routes are available around Bosley Reservoir?

There are over 150 dedicated no traffic touring cycling routes around Bosley Reservoir listed on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, with 22 easy, 98 moderate, and 50 difficult options.

What kind of terrain can I expect on these no traffic touring cycling routes?

The routes around Bosley Reservoir offer diverse terrain. Many feature mostly well-paved surfaces, ideal for touring. However, some more challenging routes may include unpaved sections or significant elevation gains, providing a varied experience from gentle lakeside paths to climbs with panoramic views.

Are there any family-friendly no traffic touring cycling routes?

Yes, there are several family-friendly options, particularly those with mostly well-paved surfaces and minimal elevation. Routes like the Rudyard Lake – Leek and Rudyard Railway loop from Rushton are rated as easy and offer a pleasant experience for families looking for a quieter ride.

What are the best times of year to go touring cycling around Bosley Reservoir?

The area is enjoyable for cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer is also popular, though some routes might be busier. Winter cycling is possible, especially on traffic-free routes, but it's always advisable to check weather forecasts and route conditions beforehand.

Are there any circular no traffic touring cycling routes?

Yes, many of the no traffic touring cycling routes around Bosley Reservoir are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Ridgegate Reservoir – Bottoms Reservoir loop from Oakgrove, which offers a moderate 13.3 km ride.

What notable landmarks or attractions can I see along the routes?

Cyclists can enjoy several points of interest. The Macclesfield Canal, with its impressive 'staircase' of 12 locks at Bosley, is a significant feature. The historic village of Bosley itself has a charming 15th-century church. For panoramic views, routes that climb to Croker Hill or Bosley Cloud offer stunning vistas over the Cheshire Plain and beyond.

Are there places to stop for refreshments along the no traffic routes?

Yes, you'll find options for refreshments. The Harrington Arms in Bosley is a popular pub with a large beer garden, perfect for a post-ride stop. Some routes might also pass through or near towns with cafes and other eateries, though specific establishments vary by route.

What is the general difficulty level of the no traffic touring cycling routes?

The routes range from easy to difficult. Easy routes typically feature mostly flat, well-paved surfaces, while moderate routes might include some rolling hills. Difficult routes, such as The Manifold Way – Thorncliffe Bank Summit loop from Rushton, can involve significant elevation gains and longer distances, requiring good fitness.

What do other touring cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Bosley Reservoir?

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 200 ratings. Reviewers often praise the quiet, scenic landscapes, the variety of routes catering to different abilities, and the opportunity to explore both natural beauty and historical landmarks away from traffic.

Is there public transport access to the no traffic cycle paths around Bosley Reservoir?

While Bosley Reservoir is primarily accessed by car, some local bus services might connect to nearby towns. For specific route access points, it's recommended to check local public transport schedules, as direct access to all trailheads via public transport can be limited.

Are there any long-distance no traffic touring routes available?

Yes, for those seeking longer rides, there are routes that extend for significant distances. For example, the The Manifold Way – Thorncliffe Bank Summit loop from Rushton covers over 65 km and offers a challenging, full-day touring experience.

Most popular routes around Bosley Reservoir

MTB Trails around Bosley Reservoir

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