The best cycling routes around Errwood Reservoir

There are over 230 touring cycling routes available around Errwood Reservoir, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. These routes are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars.

The Errwood Reservoir area offers a diverse mix of terrain. You'll find mostly paved surfaces, especially around the reservoir itself, but also more rugged off-road sections. Routes can range from gentle, gradual climbs to challenging ascents like the one to Pym Chair, providing options for various fitness levels.

Yes, a significant advantage for cyclists is that the road through the Goyt Valley, from The Street car park to Derbyshire Bridge, is closed to vehicles on Sundays and Bank Holidays. This traffic-free period runs from May 1st to September 30th, between 11 am and 4 pm, offering a much safer and more peaceful cycling experience.

Yes, many routes in the area are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular option is the Errwood Reservoir – Pym Chair loop from The Street Car Park, which is 8.2 miles (13.1 km) long and offers panoramic views.

The routes around Errwood Reservoir are rich with natural beauty and historical sites. You can explore the ruins of Errwood Hall, visit St. Joseph's Shrine, or follow the River Goyt to a historic packhorse bridge. The reservoir itself is a beautiful focal point, and you'll often encounter the old Goytsclough Quarry, which has transformed into a nature spot.

While many routes feature challenging climbs, there are also easier, more gradual sections suitable for families or those new to touring cycling. The traffic-free periods on Sundays and Bank Holidays make the valley road particularly appealing for a relaxed family ride. There are 16 easy routes and 81 moderate routes available, offering plenty of choice.

Parking is generally free and accessible in the Errwood Reservoir area. The Street Car Park is a common starting point for many routes, including the popular Errwood Reservoir – Pym Chair loop.

The period from May 1st to September 30th is particularly good, especially on Sundays and Bank Holidays when parts of the valley road are traffic-free. However, the area is beautiful year-round, though some paths can be narrow, rocky, and exceptionally muddy in wet weather, particularly on moorland footpaths.

Yes, the Errwood Reservoir area is known for its challenging routes, with 136 classified as difficult. These often include significant elevation gains, such as the climb to Pym Chair. Routes like the Buxton loop to the highest village in Britain offer substantial climbs and distances for experienced cyclists.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 80 reviews. Reviewers often praise the stunning panoramic views across the valley and reservoir, the diverse landscapes of open water, moorland, and woodland, and the peaceful, traffic-free sections available during peak times.

Yes, several routes connect the Errwood Reservoir area to nearby towns. For example, the Buxton Opera House – Long Hill loop from Whaley Bridge connects the Goyt Valley with Buxton, offering varied terrain and scenic stretches between these locations.

While the immediate reservoir area is quite natural and less developed, routes often pass through or near villages and towns like Whaley Bridge or Buxton, where you can find cafes, pubs, and other amenities to refuel during or after your ride.