Derwent Reservoir – Ruffside loop from Slaley Hall

Routes

Bike touring routes & trails

Derwent Reservoir – Ruffside loop from Slaley Hall

Moderate

5.0

(2)

riders

Derwent Reservoir – Ruffside loop from Slaley Hall

02:00

29.6km

320m

Cycling

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

Last updated: August 22, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

North Pennines National Landscape

Waypoints

Start point

Hotel

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6.89 km

Derwent Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

9.16 km

Water Control Tower, Derwent Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

Tower and overflow when the reservoir is too full

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9.69 km

View of Derwent Reservoir from the Dam

Highlight • Lake

Looking across the reservoir and down from the dam

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13.9 km

Low Hospital Plantation

Forest

14.0 km

High Hospital Plantation

Forest

15.1 km

Ruffside

Highlight • Settlement

One of a few small scenic villages along the quiet roads after Blanchland towards Edmundbyers, running alongside the Derwent reservoir.

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18.0 km

Blanchland Public Toilets

Highlight • River

Public toilet on the right as you enter Blanchland over little bridge, hidden behind the buildings, near the river and you may find other things !!!
Great view of the river over the wall, see photo

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18.1 km

The Lord Crewe Arms & Gardens

Highlight • Pub

Great pub for a warming fire, pie and pint and a lovely village with some nice craft shops

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18.1 km

Blanchland Village

Highlight • Religious Site

Lovely spot, there's a tap round the back of the abbey if you need to fill up with drinking water when the pub and cafe are both closed.

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18.1 km

White Monk Tearoom, Blanchland

Highlight • Cafe

Right in the center of Blanchland, the current tearoom is located in the Victorian building you can see, which was once the school but closed in 1980. Also, if you …

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