Lower Gorple Reservoir Descent
Lower Gorple Reservoir Descent
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
Lower Gorple Reservoir Descent
Mountain biking
4.8
(100)
Gravel riding
5.0
(2)
Running
5.0
(1)
Cycling
5.0
(1)
Hiking
5.0
(1)
Tips
July 10, 2018
Mountain biking
In the know? Log-in to add a tip for other adventurers!
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Lower Gorple Reservoir Descent
5.0
(5)
84
riders
72.0km
06:54
1,620m
1,620m
The Mary Towneley Loop, a challenging part of the Pennine Bridleway, offers a demanding mountain biking experience across 44.8 miles (72.0 km) with a significant 5304 feet (1616 metres) of elevation gain. You will navigate mixed terrain, from stone causeways and gravel paths to grassy tracks and rough packhorse trails, all while enjoying views across the Calder and Rossendale Valleys. Expect a difficult ride that typically takes around 6 hours and 54 minutes to complete, pushing your fitness and bike handling skills through varied landscapes that blend natural beauty with industrial heritage, including sights like Stoodley Pike.
Due to its demanding nature, proper preparation is key for tackling this route. Riders often prefer to complete the loop in an anti-clockwise direction, though it can be ridden both ways. Consider setting aside a long summer day if you plan to finish it in one go, or be prepared to split the journey over two or three days. The trail's constant ups and downs, combined with around 92 gates, mean you will need to stay focused and well-fueled throughout your ride.
This route is a purpose-built section of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail, designed for mountain bikers, horse riders, and walkers, and is clearly signposted. It's considered an epic challenge, rewarding those who complete it with a strong sense of achievement. The trail also offers a unique journey through history, utilizing ancient packhorse routes and showcasing the region's industrial past, like the Rooley Moor Road, which adds a distinctive cultural layer to the wild moorland scenery.
4.0
(10)
54
riders
26.2km
02:32
630m
630m
Embark on the Hebden Bridge to Lower Gorple Reservoir loop for a challenging mountain biking adventure through West Yorkshire's dramatic Pennine landscape. This moderate 16.3-mile (26.2 km) route, with its 2071 feet (631 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 2 hours and 32 minutes to complete. You will navigate varied terrain, from steep climbs and descents to rocky sections and historical packhorse bridleways. Expect stunning views across expansive moors and deep, tree-lined valleys, especially as you pass Lower Gorple Reservoir. The ride offers a mix of cobbled paths, moorland, and some tarmac, ensuring a diverse experience.
This popular mountain bike trail demands good fitness and advanced riding skills due to its sometimes technical sections. While descending towards Lower Gorple Reservoir, the trail can be open, spectacular, and very fast, but be mindful of corners. The
4.9
(24)
215
riders
34.2km
03:02
730m
730m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
Details
Informations
Distance 959 m
Downhill 60 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Thursday 25 June
32°C
15°C
45 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December