The best MTB trails around Howden Reservoir

There are nearly 40 mountain bike trails around Howden Reservoir, offering a diverse range of experiences. This includes 7 easy routes, 22 moderate routes, and 7 difficult routes, ensuring options for all skill levels.

The terrain around Howden Reservoir is quite varied. You'll find smooth-surfaced roads, inclines with stone paths, and flat to downhill dirt paths. There are also long stretches of unsurfaced gravel roads, especially on the east side, which can become muddy after rain. The west side typically features smoother surfaces, while the northern side includes more challenging inclines.

Yes, there are several family-friendly options. The area offers 7 easy routes suitable for families. A good starting point is often the well-made tracks leading from Fairholmes Visitor Centre towards Derwent Dam and on to Howden Reservoir, providing a straightforward and scenic ride.

You'll encounter several impressive sights. The Howden Reservoir itself is a stunning Y-shaped body of water. The Slippery Stones Packhorse Bridge and River Derwent Trail is a picturesque spot at the northern end, known for its beauty. You can also explore the impressive Howden Dam, an early 20th-century engineering marvel. The routes often pass through forested hills, moorlands, and pine forests, offering breathtaking panoramic views.

Fairholmes Visitor Centre serves as a central hub for the Upper Derwent Valley and provides parking facilities. Many popular routes, including those leading towards Howden Reservoir and Slippery Stones, are easily accessible from here.

Yes, circular routes are a popular choice. A highly recommended option is the circuit that encompasses Howden, Derwent, and Ladybower Reservoirs. For a shorter, easy ride, consider the Derwent Reservoir Dam – Derwent Reservoir and Dam loop.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 500 reviews. Reviewers often praise the spellbinding scenery, the diverse terrain ranging from smooth roads to challenging stone paths, and the opportunity to ride through pine forests and open moorland. The well-made tracks and designated cycle routes are also frequently highlighted.

Yes, bike hire is available at the Fairholmes Visitor Centre, which is a convenient starting point for many activities and trails in the Upper Derwent Valley.

While the area is accessible in winter, conditions can vary significantly. Some dirt paths, especially on the east side, can become very muddy after rain. It's advisable to check local weather forecasts and trail conditions before heading out, as some sections might be more challenging due to wet or icy conditions.

Yes, the Fairholmes Visitor Centre, a central hub in the Upper Derwent Valley, has a café where you can get refreshments before or after your ride.

For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the Ladybower and Derwent Reservoir loop is a difficult 16.1-mile path connecting three major reservoirs, offering expansive views and demanding sections. Another difficult option is the Howden Dam – Derwent Reservoir loop, which covers nearly 40 km with significant elevation changes.

Yes, you can experience the beauty of the reservoirs from a dedicated gravel trail. The Derwent and Howden Reservoirs — Gravel Trail highlight points to a section that offers this experience, providing scenic views along the water's edge.