Woodhead Reservoirs Trail – Woodhead Reservoir loop from Dunford

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Woodhead Reservoirs Trail – Woodhead Reservoir loop from Dunford

Hard

5.0

(5)

riders

Woodhead Reservoirs Trail – Woodhead Reservoir loop from Dunford

03:20

46.9km

590m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment in which cycling is not permitted

After 29.0 km for 78 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

3.50 km

Ruins

6.50 km

Woodhead Reservoirs Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

This lovely section of gravel takes you along Woodhead, Torside, Rhodeswood, Valehouse and Bottoms reservoirs. Following the former Woodhead railway line, the trail is leisurely and scenic.

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18.0 km

Bottoms Reservoir and Fountain

Highlight • Structure

One of a series of reservoirs along the valley and along the route of the NCN 68 (Pennine Cycleway). The reservoir is at the southern end of the Longendale Path. …

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19.0 km

From this spot, you get a wonderful view over Valehouse Reservoir, a beautiful lake in Longdendale. Built between 1865-1869 as part of the Longdendale chain, it supplies water from the River Etherow to Greater Manchester.

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26.9 km

Woodhead Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

Nice riding on the Longdendale trail. Nothing difficult so a nice trail for families with kids. Can get very busy so pick your time well. Weekends is obviously always relatively busy. Nice views all along the trail.

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28.5 km

Woodhead Railway Tunnel Entrances

Highlight • Historical Site

Remnants of the three major rail links between Manchester and Sheffield. Awesome piece of history!

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29.7 km

Trans Pennine Trail Moorland Crossing

Highlight • Trail

this was my favourite part of the ride that day

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37.7 km

View of the Peak District

Highlight • Viewpoint

With breath-taking landscapes, rich history and miles of traffic-free bike paths, the Peak District is a dream for cyclists. Founded in 1951, the Peak District was the first area to …

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