The best traffic-free bike rides around Ogston Reservoir

There are nearly 90 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Ogston Reservoir listed on komoot. These routes offer a variety of experiences, from easy rides suitable for beginners to more challenging tours for experienced cyclists.

The routes around Ogston Reservoir feature a diverse landscape. You'll find a mix of waterside paths, open farmland, and tranquil woodlands, including shaded sections through Carr Wood. Some routes incorporate country lanes and roads, ensuring varied scenery. While many paths are paved, some moderate to difficult routes may include unpaved or more challenging segments.

Yes, there are 12 easy-rated routes that are generally suitable for families. These typically feature mostly paved surfaces and lower elevation gains, offering up to 2 hours of riding. For example, a moderate route like Holy Trinity Church – St. Michael's Church loop from Ashover CP is a good option, though always check the route details for specific suitability.

Many of the touring cycling routes around Ogston Reservoir are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. While direct access around the immediate reservoir edge can be limited due to its conservation status, routes often ascend from the reservoir through surrounding fields, providing excellent viewpoints and forming circular paths. An example is the moderate View of Ogston Reservoir – The Old Poets Corner loop from Wessington CP.

Ogston Reservoir is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery, making them ideal for touring cycling. Summer is also great, though routes with shaded woodland sections like those near Carr Wood can provide welcome relief. Even in winter, the area is nationally renowned for birdwatching, offering a unique experience, though some unpaved sections might be muddier.

Beyond the stunning views of the reservoir itself, you can enjoy excellent birdwatching opportunities, especially in winter, as Ogston Reservoir is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The area is also close to charming villages like Ashover, Brackenfield, and Clay Cross, which offer additional exploration. Some routes might pass historical sites or offer glimpses of the surrounding Amber Valley's rich heritage.

Absolutely. There are 36 difficult-rated routes for those seeking a greater challenge. These can involve significant elevation gains (up to 1500 feet or more), longer durations (up to 5 hours or beyond), and may include segments where you might need to push your bike. An example of a more demanding route is the Crich Tramway Village – View of Chatsworth House loop from Ashover CP.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 220 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, the beautiful reservoir views, and the diverse landscapes that make each ride unique. The sense of tranquility and connection with nature are frequently highlighted.

Yes, many routes start from designated car parks in nearby villages or specific access points around the reservoir. For instance, several routes begin from Wessington CP or Ashover CP, providing convenient parking options for cyclists. Always check the specific route details on komoot for recommended starting points and parking information.

Many routes are designed to showcase the reservoir's beauty. While direct access along the immediate shoreline is limited due to conservation, well-signposted paths often ascend from the reservoir through surrounding fields, providing excellent elevated viewpoints. The View of Ogston Reservoir – The Old Poets Corner loop from Wessington CP is one such route that offers great perspectives.

Yes, the presence of nearby attractions like the Five Pits Trail offers extended cycling possibilities. While this guide focuses on routes directly around Ogston Reservoir, the wider Amber Valley and Derbyshire region provide a network of trails that can be linked for longer touring adventures.