The best traffic-free bike rides around Jumbles Reservoir

There are currently 3 dedicated traffic-free road cycling routes around Jumbles Reservoir featured in this guide. These routes are designed to offer a serene cycling experience away from vehicle traffic.

The routes around Jumbles Reservoir offer a mix of terrain, often following former railway lines or quiet country roads. You can expect moderate elevation changes, with climbs ranging from approximately 270 meters to over 670 meters on some of the longer routes. For example, the route SADOS Community Centre – Tottington Station loop from Tottington High School features an elevation gain of over 670 meters, while Waggon, Hawkshaw – Walves Reservoir loop from Hawkshaw has around 270 meters of ascent.

While cycling traffic-free routes around Jumbles Reservoir, you'll encounter picturesque views of the reservoir itself, along with the adjacent Wayoh and Turton and Entwistle reservoirs. Keep an eye out for diverse woodlands, the Bradshaw Brook, and the historic Turton Tower. Some routes might also take you near the Outwood Trail, which follows a former railway line and crosses the impressive Outwood Viaduct.

While all routes in this guide are rated 'moderate' in difficulty, the focus on traffic-free paths makes them generally safer for families with older children or those comfortable with moderate distances and some elevation. The area's mix of paved and unpaved surfaces means some routes, like sections of the Outwood Trail, are mostly tarmac and suitable for various bikes, offering a pleasant experience for a family outing.

Jumbles Country Park, which encompasses the reservoir, offers parking facilities. The Waterfold car park is a convenient starting point, providing easy access to the reservoir and its surrounding paths. Always check local signage for any parking fees or restrictions.

The Jumbles Reservoir area is accessible by public transport, with bus services connecting to nearby towns like Bolton. From these points, you can cycle to the reservoir. For specific route planning, it's advisable to check local bus schedules and routes that pass closest to your chosen starting point.

The komoot community highly rates the cycling experience around Jumbles Reservoir, with an average score of 4.6 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquil, traffic-free nature of the routes, the scenic reservoir views, and the opportunity to explore the varied landscapes and historical features of the area.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, The Strawberry Duck – Grey Mare loop from Entwistle is a great example of a circular route that takes you through varied scenery without traffic.

Jumbles Country Park itself has a cafe and information center at Waterfold car park, perfect for refreshments before or after your ride. Additionally, the surrounding villages and towns often feature pubs and cafes that can be incorporated into your route planning, offering opportunities for a break and a bite to eat.

The Jumbles Reservoir area is beautiful year-round. Spring brings an abundance of wildflowers in the woodlands, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer provides longer daylight hours for extended rides. Even in winter, the paths can be enjoyable, though conditions may vary, so checking the weather and trail conditions beforehand is always recommended.

The traffic-free road cycling routes in this guide vary in length. The shortest routes are around 21 kilometers (approximately 13 miles), such as View from Broadhead Road loop from Darwen, while the longest extends to over 40 kilometers (approximately 25 miles), like the SADOS Community Centre – Tottington Station loop from Tottington High School.