Carsington Water family loop

Embark on the Carsington Water family loop, a scenic touring bicycle route that circles the reservoir, offering lovely views across the water, surrounding hills, and woodlands. This moderate 9.3-mile (14.9 km) trail, with 499 feet (152 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 13 minutes to complete. While much of the path is smooth, expect undulating terrain with short, steep uphill and downhill sections, especially on the eastern side, and varied surfaces including rocky patches and loose gravel.

For your visit, the Carsington Water Visitor Centre serves as a convenient hub, providing amenities like a cafe, restaurant, toilets, and bike hire. Due to the varied terrain, bikes with wider tires, such as mountain, gravel, or hybrid bikes, are recommended for better traction and comfort. Be aware that the trail can get busy, particularly on weekends and holidays, with both cyclists and walkers sharing the path.

This traffic-free, designated cycle path is notable as it encircles one of England's newest and ninth-largest reservoirs, a haven for nearly 300 species of birds and mammals. You can extend your adventure by connecting to other significant traffic-free routes like the High Peak Trail and Tissington Trail. Alternatively, take a diversion to the attractive hilltop village of Kirk Ireton, which features a community shop and the award-winning Barley Mow Inn.