Derwent Reservoir and Dam – Ladybower Reservoir Overflow loop from Hope

Mountain biking trails

Derwent Reservoir and Dam – Ladybower Reservoir Overflow loop from Hope

Hard

4.4

(22)

190

riders

Derwent Reservoir and Dam – Ladybower Reservoir Overflow loop from Hope

01:30

17.9km

290m

Mountain biking

Hard mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 27, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that goes up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 43 m for 8 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

2.74 km

Roman Road Descent, Peak District National Park

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

One of my favourite climbs in the Hope. Techy in places, steady incline, slippy when wet, dreamy when dry!

Tip by

4.90 km

View of Snake Pass

Highlight • Viewpoint

Stunning views from the top up and down the snake pass. Technical descent down potato alley from here big rocks, gravel, mud, very tricky, then beautiful trail along the dam through woodlands.

Tip by

5.00 km

Fast Descent Bridleway, Peak District National Park

Highlight • Trail

Super fun and fast descent, equally as good (not as fast) to climb. Mega views, nice wide bridleway.

Tip by

5.52 km

View over Ladybower Reservoir

Highlight • Viewpoint

Epic views of Ladybower reservoir on a meandering easy trail.

Tip by

5.99 km

The Beast Upper Descent

Highlight (Segment) • MTB Park

A challenging descent. It is fairly steep but it's the rocks that will get you. Line choice is vital as taking the wrong one will likely end in an OTB …

Tip by

9.48 km

Winhill Plantation

Forest

9.92 km

Derwent Reservoir and Dam

Highlight • Viewpoint

Lots of options to suite all abilities. Parking can be a problem when busy, so for the best experience and sometimes the entire place to yourself, head there out of peak hours and days.

Tip by

12.1 km

Ladybower Reservoir Overflow

Highlight • Structure

The path along the top of Ladybower Dam affords a wonderful view of the reservoir nestling in the Upper Derwent Valley. You also get a close look at the reservoir …

Tip by

13.6 km

Animal Sculpture Trail on the Thornhill Trail

Highlight • Structure

Some lovely sculptured animals along this trail, from Bike & Boot, Hope Valley. It connect to the Derwent Reservoir s

Tip by

17.9 km

End point

Train Station

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

8.05 km

5.94 km

2.62 km

1.01 km

117 m

103 m

Surfaces

6.35 km

5.69 km

4.32 km

1.46 km

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (330 m)

Lowest point (160 m)

Weather

Sunday 4 October

18°C

13°C

32 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 20.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Comments

July 26, 2025,The Beast of Hope Cross

Quick blast around to finish off and take on the beast.

October 21, 2024,Hope Valley Guided MTB ride

Some freelance work for LEA. Guiding a great group of lads with Cai. All tackling their first real MTB ride on their visit to the Peaks. Wish my school residential trips were as cool as this!
Smiles all round and all suitably caked in mud. Job done. 👌🏻

June 20, 2025,Hope Cross Guided Ride

Freelance work for Lost Earth Adventures.
Half a day with a group of 12 lads on a stag do. Biking in the morning, gorge walking in the afternoon. Long gone are the days of a massive p*** up.
Great group. Lovely ride. 👌🏻✌🏻

November 18, 2023,Guided Mountain Bike Tour

Some freelance work guiding a great group of 8 lads. Lucked out with the weather. Lots of mud. Lots of sliding about. Lots of laughs.
Cracking afternoon on the big girl.