Fairholmes Visitor Centre
Fairholmes Visitor Centre
Highlight • Trail
Fairholmes Visitor Centre
Cycling
4.8
(88)
Hiking
5.0
(2)
Gravel riding
5.0
(1)
This Highlight is in a protected area
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Tips
May 1, 2022
Cycling
•
August 14, 2018
Cycling
November 20, 2020
Cycling
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Fairholmes Visitor Centre
4.9
(79)
1,227
riders
Embark on a moderate touring bicycle loop around the Ladybower, Derwent, and Howden Reservoirs, covering 16.8 miles (27.0 km) with an elevation gain of 1186 feet (361 metres). This route typically takes around 2 hours to complete, winding through a landscape of majestic waters, rolling hills, and dense woodlands. You will experience a mix of mostly off-road trails and minor roads, with extensive paved surfaces and compacted gravel paths. The eastern edge of Ladybower Reservoir features a gravel track, offering a varied terrain as you cycle through the dramatic Upper Derwent Valley.
For your visit, the Fairholmes Visitor Centre is a common starting point, providing parking, refreshments, and bicycle hire facilities. The terrain is suitable for touring, hybrid, gravel, and mountain bikes, though some unpaved or rougher sections exist. Be aware that during winter, parts of the route might have puddle-filled potholes, and icy conditions can make certain sections challenging. While generally well-maintained, some gravel paths can be roughened by forestry work, so plan your ride accordingly.
This route offers a rich blend of natural beauty and history. You will pass the impressive, over 100-year-old gothic towers of the Howden and Derwent Dams, famous as a practice site for the
4.9
(13)
125
riders
This difficult touring bicycle loop from Edale covers 26.8 miles (43.1 km) with a significant 2298 feet (701 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete. You'll experience a diverse range of terrain, from the gentle gravel tracks along Ladybower Reservoir to the extremely challenging ascent of Winnats Pass. Winnats Pass itself is a dramatic sight, winding through a steep limestone gorge with rock faces on either side of the road. From its summit, you can enjoy panoramic vistas across the Hope Valley and spot Mam Tor. The route showcases the varied landscapes of the Peak District, including iconic reservoirs and dramatic gritstone edges.
Be prepared for a hard bike ride requiring very good fitness, especially for Winnats Pass, which features an average gradient of over 10% and maximums nearing 29%. If you stop on the steepest ramps, restarting can be nearly impossible. The road through Winnats Pass can be busy with motor traffic, and the steep inclines might cause cars to struggle. While the Ladybower section is flatter, expect puddle-filled potholes during winter. Some sections of country lanes and trails may also include unpaved or rougher surfaces with boulders.
This route is notable for incorporating Winnats Pass, considered one of the best climbs in the UK for cyclists seeking a significant challenge. You will also pass the Derwent Dam, a stunning neo-Gothic construction with historical significance as the training ground for the RAF's 617 Squadron, the "Dambusters," during World War II. During periods of low water levels, you might even glimpse the remains of a flooded village within Ladybower Reservoir.
85
riders
Embark on a difficult touring cycling adventure around the Ladybower and Derwent Reservoirs. This 14.6-mile (23.6 km) loop, with an elevation gain of 1617 feet (493 metres), takes about 2 hours and 10 minutes to complete. You'll experience stunning waterside views, pass through shady woodlands, and see the impressive Derwent Dam. The route features a mix of tarmac roads and smooth gravel trails, with some challenging hilly sections, especially along the eastern edge of Ladybower Reservoir.
Start your journey conveniently from Fairholmes Car Park, which offers pay-and-display parking, a visitor center, and refreshment kiosks. You can even hire bikes here if you need one. Given the varied terrain of tarmac and gravel, a hybrid or mountain bike is recommended for this route. Be aware that after crossing the Ashopton Viaduct, you'll need to stay on the pavement and pedal uphill, as bikes are not permitted on a footpath immediately after.
Beyond its natural beauty, this area holds significant historical importance. The reservoirs were famously used by Lancaster Bomber pilots for practice bombing runs during the Dambusters raids in WWII. The iconic Derwent Dam, a key feature you'll encounter, played a central role in these practice flights. This unique history adds another layer to your touring cycling experience in the Peak District National Park.
Details
Informations
Elevation 190 m
Weather
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Friday 8 May
11°C
4°C
63 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 24.0 km/h
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