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United Kingdom
England
Yorkshire And The Humber
North Yorkshire
Harrogate

Thruscross Reservoir

The best cycling routes around Thruscross Reservoir

4.7

(51)

1,141

riders

65

rides

Touring cycling around Thruscross Reservoir features routes that navigate the hilly terrain and open moorland characteristic of the Washburn Valley. The area is defined by its reservoir, surrounded by woodlands and agricultural land, with notable climbs leading to elevated viewpoints. Cyclists can expect a mix of paved roads and some gravel sections, offering varied surfaces for exploration.

Best touring cycling routes around Thruscross Reservoir

  • The most popular touring cycling route is Greenhow Hill Summit – Nought Moor Climb loop from…

Last updated: May 13, 2026

5.0

(1)

4

riders

#1.

Pateley Bridge – Thruscross Dam loop from Thruscross

26.6km

02:00

590m

590m

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Hard

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard
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Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Hard

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

Hard
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Popular around Thruscross Reservoir

Six Dales Trail — Hike quintessential Yorkshire countryside

MTB Trails around Thruscross Reservoir

Hiking around Thruscross Reservoir

Road Cycling Routes around Thruscross Reservoir

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Six Dales Trail — Hike quintessential Yorkshire countryside

Hiking Collection by

Alex Foxfield

Tips from the Community

The Yorkshire Hiker
November 2, 2025, The Craven Arms

One of the best pubs in the Dales. Oozes charm and character. Very popular all year round so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

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Great coffee at grindhus

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Good beer and cider.

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Quintessentially pretty market town, arrive early to find suitable parking, best place is next to the showground on the southern side of the bridge over the River Nidd. Honesty box only (no payment cards), cheap at £1 up to 4 hours and £2 all day (spring 2025 prices). The southern end of Nidderdale around Pateley Bridge has one of the densest concentrations of public footpaths in North Yorkshire, so loads of routeing options. See the North Yorks public rights of way map at https://maps.northyorks.gov.uk/connect/analyst/mobile/#/main?mapcfg=Out_and_About

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Great views both up and downstream, with parking on both sides of the bridge. The car park on the southern side, next to the cricket pitch and showground, is quite big and now relies on an honesty box for payment.

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RichD
June 1, 2025, Thruscross Dam

If you are enthusiastic enough to walk around all three reservoirs (Thruscross, Fewston, and Swinsty), clocking in at 15 miles, then you will see that Thruscross has the most spectacular dam of the three. If you follow the track from the car park at the western end of the dam, to the south towards the River Washburn, a track that descends quite steeply, then you will be rewarded with imposing views of the face of the dam.

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Superb off road cycle track, busy, great pub in Ripley the Boars Head.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the general terrain like for touring cycling around Thruscross Reservoir?

The area around Thruscross Reservoir is characterized by hilly terrain and open moorland within the Washburn Valley. Cyclists can expect a mix of paved roads and some gravel sections, offering varied surfaces and notable climbs leading to elevated viewpoints.

How many touring cycling routes are available around Thruscross Reservoir?

There are over 60 touring cycling routes mapped around Thruscross Reservoir on komoot, catering to various skill levels. This includes 3 easy routes, 21 moderate routes, and 44 difficult routes.

Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, while many routes are challenging, there are a few easier options. For a less strenuous ride, look for routes specifically marked as 'easy' on komoot. These typically feature less elevation gain and smoother surfaces.

What are the options for advanced mountain biking or challenging routes?

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Thruscross Reservoir offers numerous difficult routes. An example is the Greenhow Hill Summit – Nought Moor Climb loop from Thruscross, which covers 26.3 km with significant elevation gain. Another challenging option is the Laund Oak – Lorne Oak loop from Glasshouses, a 37.9 km difficult route.

Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Thruscross Reservoir?

Many of the touring cycling routes in the Thruscross Reservoir area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the popular Brimham Rocks – View of Dacre Lane loop from Thruscross is a 30.5 km circular trail.

What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Thruscross Reservoir?

The best time for touring cycling around Thruscross Reservoir is generally from spring through autumn when the weather is milder and conditions are more predictable. Winter cycling is possible but can be challenging due to colder temperatures, potential ice, and shorter daylight hours, especially on exposed moorland sections.

Are there any routes that include gravel sections?

Yes, some touring cycling routes in the area incorporate gravel sections, adding to the varied terrain. The The Craven Arms – Skyreholme Bank Gravel Climb loop from Thornthwaite with Padside is a notable example that features gravel climbs through diverse landscapes.

What do other touring cyclists say about the routes around Thruscross Reservoir?

The touring cycling routes around Thruscross Reservoir are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 50 reviews. Cyclists often praise the challenging hill climbs, the scenic reservoir views, and the experience of riding through open moorland.

Are there any towns or villages nearby where I can find amenities like cafes or pubs?

Yes, the region has several small towns and villages that offer amenities. For example, the Pateley Bridge — Market Town – Pateley Bridge loop from Thornthwaite with Padside takes you through Pateley Bridge, a market town where you can find cafes, pubs, and other services.

What kind of views or scenic stops can I expect on the touring cycling routes?

Cyclists can enjoy diverse scenery including expansive reservoir views, open moorland, woodlands, and agricultural land. Many routes feature notable climbs that reward with elevated viewpoints over the Washburn Valley and surrounding countryside.

Most popular routes around Thruscross Reservoir

Family-friendly hikes around Thruscross Reservoir

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