The best traffic-free bike rides around Scar House Reservoir

There are 15 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Scar House Reservoir. These routes range in difficulty from easy loops suitable for families to more challenging rides with significant elevation changes.

The routes offer a varied terrain, including well-surfaced paths, especially around the reservoir and across its dams. You'll also find more uneven tracks and stony sections on higher ground or along the northern side of the reservoir. Some paths follow old quarry and railway lines, providing a mix of surfaces.

Yes, there is an easy route perfect for families. The Scar House Reservoir Dam – Scar House Reservoir and Dam loop is a 7 km ride with minimal elevation gain, offering accessible views and a pleasant experience for all ages.

For those seeking a challenge, consider the Scar House Reservoir and Dam – St. Mary's Church, Kettlewell loop, which is 34.4 km with over 850 meters of elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Scar House Reservoir and Dam – Gouthwaite Reservoir loop from Lofthouse, covering 32.8 km with over 600 meters of climbing.

You'll encounter several points of interest. The colossal Scar House Dam itself is an engineering marvel. You can also see remnants of the old village that housed construction workers and sections of the dismantled Nidd Valley Light Railway trackbed. The routes also offer stunning views of expansive moorland, the nearby Angram Reservoir, and the rugged Yorkshire Dales landscape beneath Little Whernside.

Yes, Scar House Reservoir is designated as a Dark Sky Discovery Site. On clear nights, it offers incredible opportunities for stargazing, making it a unique experience to combine with your cycling tour.

Many of the touring cycling routes around Scar House Reservoir are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Scar House Reservoir and Dam – Carle Fell Road loop and the Gouthwaite Reservoir – Gouthwaite Reservoir loop.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from 25 ratings. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free nature of the routes, the stunning Dales scenery, and the historical elements integrated into the rides.

Yes, there is a free car park available at the end of the access road to Scar House Reservoir, making it convenient to start your cycling adventure.

The spring and summer months generally offer the most favorable weather conditions for touring cycling, with longer daylight hours and milder temperatures. However, the diverse landscape provides beautiful scenery in autumn, and even crisp winter days can be rewarding for well-prepared cyclists.

Absolutely. There are 10 moderate routes available. A popular choice is the Scar House Reservoir and Dam – Carle Fell Road loop, which is 18 km long with around 447 meters of elevation gain, offering a good balance of challenge and scenic beauty.