The best cycling routes around Agden Reservoir

There are over 140 touring cycling routes around Agden Reservoir, catering to various skill levels. You'll find 17 easy routes, 74 moderate routes, and 51 difficult routes to explore.

The terrain around Agden Reservoir is diverse, ranging from tranquil waterside paths to more rugged, undulating sections. You'll encounter scenic reservoir views, coniferous woodlands, and open moorland, with options for road cycling, gravel biking, and mountain biking. Some paths, especially near Agden Bog, might involve dirt trails and muddy sections.

Yes, there are several easier routes suitable for families. For a relaxed ride, consider the Bike loop from Low Bradfield, which is an easy 5.7 km path through the immediate surroundings of the village.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, the region offers routes with significant elevation gains. A difficult option is the View of Hope Valley – Ladybower Reservoir loop from Hollow Meadows, a 28.7 km route with substantial climbing, taking you towards the scenic Hope Valley and Ladybower Reservoir.

Many routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end in the same location. A popular moderate circular route is the Bradfield Post Office Café – Myers Road loop from Low Bradfield, which is 21.7 km long and explores the scenic Bradfield Dale.

Beyond Agden Reservoir itself, you can explore the ancient bogland of Agden Bog Nature Reserve, known for its botanical interest and wildlife. The routes also offer views of the Bradfield Moors and connect to other reservoirs like Damflask and Dale Dike, providing diverse scenery. The historic Church of St. Nicholas in High Bradfield is another point of interest.

Yes, the nearby charming villages of Low Bradfield and High Bradfield offer amenities for cyclists. You can find pubs and cafes, such as The Old Horns Inn in High Bradfield, known for its views, or The Plough Inn in Low Bradfield, which features a beer garden.

The touring cycling routes around Agden Reservoir are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 270 reviews. More than 8,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic reservoirs, coniferous woodlands, and open moorland.

Absolutely. Agden Reservoir is part of an interconnected network of reservoirs, including Damflask, Dale Dike, and Strines. This allows for extended touring rides that can link multiple bodies of water, offering diverse scenery and longer distances. For example, the Damflask Reservoir – The Old Horns Inn loop from Loxley is a moderate route that takes you around a nearby reservoir.

Yes, Agden Reservoir is accessible by public transport. Buses from Hillsborough provide connections to the area, making it possible to reach the starting points of various cycling routes without a car.

Parking is available in Low Bradfield, a convenient starting point for many of the touring cycling routes around Agden Reservoir and the surrounding Bradfield Dale.

Yes, you can find routes that extend towards the Rivelin Valley. The Rivelin Valley Bridleway – Crosspool Tawny Owl Tree loop from Hollow Meadows is a moderate 21.0 km trail that leads through varied terrain in that direction.