The best traffic-free bike rides around Errwood Reservoir

There are nearly 100 dedicated touring cycling routes around Errwood Reservoir, with a strong focus on minimizing traffic. This includes 4 easy routes, 38 moderate routes, and 52 difficult routes, offering options for various skill levels.

The routes around Errwood Reservoir offer a diverse mix of terrain. You'll find well-maintained paths, including tarmac sections, as well as more rugged off-road areas with grassland and potentially muddy stretches, especially after rain. The Goyt Valley road, from "The Street" to Derbyshire Bridge, is often closed to general traffic on summer Sundays and Bank Holidays, providing excellent car-free cycling.

Yes, there are easy routes perfect for beginners or families seeking a relaxed ride. For instance, the Errwood Reservoir loop from Fernilee Reservoir offers a gentle 5.8 km ride with minimal elevation gain, allowing you to enjoy the scenery without significant challenge.

For experienced cyclists looking for a challenge, routes incorporating climbs like Pym Chair are ideal. The Errwood Reservoir – Pym Chair loop from The Street Car Park is a difficult 13.1 km route with over 350m of elevation gain, offering strenuous climbs and rewarding views. Another challenging option is the View of the Goyt Valley – Errwood Reservoir loop from The Street Car Park, a longer 37.4 km ride with nearly 700m of ascent.

While cycling around Errwood Reservoir, you can explore several points of interest. The romantic ruins of Errwood Hall and the small, circular St. Joseph's Chapel offer a glimpse into the valley's past. When water levels are low, remnants of an old village and a historic packhorse bridge can also become visible. The stunning panoramic views across the reservoir and the wider Goyt Valley are a constant natural highlight.

Yes, many of the no-traffic routes are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Popular options include loops around Errwood and Fernilee Reservoirs. For example, the Errwood Reservoir – View from Combs Head loop from The Street Car Park is an 18 km circular route offering diverse scenery.

Errwood Reservoir is a popular area for outdoor activities, and many routes are suitable for cycling with dogs, provided they are well-behaved and kept under control, especially around livestock or other visitors. Always ensure your dog is comfortable with the distance and terrain, and carry enough water for both of you.

Errwood Reservoir is a year-round destination. However, the summer months are particularly appealing for no-traffic cycling, as the valley road from "The Street" to Derbyshire Bridge is often closed to general visitor traffic on Sundays and Bank Holidays. Spring and autumn offer beautiful scenery with changing foliage, while winter can provide a stark, serene landscape, though some paths may be muddy or icy.

Free parking is conveniently provided at Errwood Reservoir. "The Street" car park is a common starting point for many routes. Buxton, a town with more extensive services, is only a 10-minute drive away if you need additional amenities before or after your ride.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from 81 ratings. Reviewers often praise the stunning panoramic views, the quiet and traffic-free sections, and the diverse terrain that caters to various cycling preferences, from gentle loops to challenging climbs.

Direct amenities such as cafes or shops are not available at Errwood Reservoir itself. However, during summer months, an ice cream van might be found at "The Street" car park. For a broader range of services, including cafes and accommodation, the town of Buxton is just a short drive away.