The best traffic-free bike rides around Piethorne Reservoir

Komoot offers several dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes in the Piethorne Reservoir area, ranging from easy to more challenging. For example, you can explore the Descent Into Ripponden – Baitings Reservoir Dam Walkway loop, an easy 17.3 km ride, or the moderate Diggle Car Park – Knott Hill loop, covering 22.3 km.

Yes, the Piethorne Reservoir area offers routes suitable for families, often featuring mostly paved surfaces. While specific family-designated routes aren't listed, the general terrain around the reservoirs and the nearby Hollingworth Lake area provides easier, more relaxed options perfect for a family outing.

Parking is conveniently available at Ogden Reservoir, which provides good access to the wider Piethorne Valley and its cycling routes. This allows you to start your no-traffic road cycling adventure directly from a secure location.

The no-traffic road cycling routes around Piethorne Reservoir offer stunning natural beauty. You'll encounter a chain of Victorian-era reservoirs, rolling Pennine hills, and expansive moorland. The scenic viewpoint at Ogden Reservoir provides expansive vistas, and you can often spot impressive stone-step cascades and waterfalls, such as the one from Norman Hill Reservoir into Piethorne.

While the region research highlights convenient car access via the M62, specific public transport links directly to the start points of these no-traffic road cycling routes are not detailed. It's advisable to check local bus services to nearby towns like Littleborough or Milnrow and plan your connection to the reservoir area.

Many of the routes in the Piethorne Reservoir area are designed as loops, offering circular no-traffic road cycling experiences. For instance, the Descent Into Ripponden – View of the Valley loop is a moderate 29.3 km circular ride, allowing you to start and finish at the same point.

The Piethorne Reservoir area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.64 stars from 158 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning natural beauty, the quiet roads, and the varied terrain that makes for engaging no-traffic road cycling experiences.

While the immediate reservoir area is quite natural, the surrounding towns and villages like Littleborough and Milnrow, which are often starting points or pass-throughs for these routes, offer various cafes and pubs where you can refuel and relax after your ride.

Piethorne Valley is open 24 hours a day, offering year-round opportunities. However, for optimal road cycling conditions, spring and summer generally provide the most pleasant weather. Autumn also offers beautiful scenery with changing foliage, though cooler temperatures and potential for rain should be considered.

Both reservoirs offer excellent cycling opportunities. Piethorne Reservoir is characterized by its interconnected Victorian-era reservoirs and rolling hills, providing a mix of easy to moderate paved routes. Dovestone Reservoir, on the other hand, is known for offering more challenging routes with substantial elevation gain, such as a 63.3 km loop from Clough, requiring very good fitness. Your choice depends on your preferred challenge level.

Yes, for those seeking a greater challenge, the region offers longer routes with significant elevation. An example is the difficult View of Widdop Reservoir – Hebden Bridge Canal Basin loop, which spans over 58 km and includes substantial climbing, providing a rewarding experience for experienced road cyclists.