The best traffic-free bike rides around Tunstall Reservoir

There are 5 curated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Tunstall Reservoir featured in this guide, offering a range of experiences from moderate to difficult. The wider area provides a diverse network of paths suitable for gravel biking.

The terrain around Tunstall Reservoir is varied, featuring a mix of established paths, former railway lines, and forest tracks. You'll encounter woodlands, open moorland, and scenic reservoir-side paths, often with rolling hills. Some sections, particularly around the reservoir, can be uneven and muddy, with tree roots, adding to the natural experience.

While many routes in the area are rated moderate to difficult, some sections are more accessible. For a moderate challenge, consider the Lanchester Valley Way – View of Lanchester Valley loop from Delves Lane, which is 22.3 km long and takes about 1 hour 15 minutes. It offers a good introduction to the region's gravel paths.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Climb to Polty's Last Blast – Hamsterley Forest Car Park loop from Wolsingham is a difficult 52.8 km trail with significant elevation gain, typically taking around 4 hours. Another difficult option is the Brotherlee – Road Into Rookhope loop from Parkhead Station, covering 30.4 km.

Yes, all the routes featured in this guide are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For example, the View of Lanchester Valley – Deerness path loop from Consett is a 43.4 km circular route that takes you through valleys and along river paths.

The trails offer diverse scenery, including views of fields, expansive woodlands, and rolling countryside. You can explore the semi-natural broadleaved woodland at Backstone Bank and Ball Hill Woods, a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The reservoir's dam is also a notable feature, historically significant as the first site where pressure grouting with cement was used in 1876. Keep an eye out for various bird species and butterflies in the nature reserve at the northern end of the reservoir.

While some routes are challenging, the general area offers paths that can be enjoyed by families. The path directly around Tunstall Reservoir, though not exclusively for bikes, provides a scenic, largely woodland walk that can be adapted for shorter, easier rides. Look for routes with less elevation and smoother surfaces if riding with children.

The area is enjoyable year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with vibrant foliage and moderate temperatures. Summer is also great, but trails can be busier. In winter, some sections might be muddy or icy, so check local conditions and prepare accordingly.

While specific cafes directly on the no-traffic trails are limited, the nearby villages and towns like Wolsingham, Consett, and Tow Law, which serve as starting points for some routes, offer pubs and cafes where you can refuel after your ride.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the trails, the diverse landscapes ranging from dense forests to open moorland, and the sense of escape into nature offered by the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Parking is available at various access points for the trails. For instance, the Hamsterley Forest Car Park is a common starting point for routes like the Climb to Polty's Last Blast loop. There are also car parks near the reservoir itself, often with picnic facilities, making them convenient bases for your ride.