The best road cycling routes around Dovestone reservoir

The Dovestone reservoir area offers a diverse range of road cycling routes, characterized by reservoirs, rolling hills, and moorland edges. You'll find a mix of ascents and descents, with routes often passing through valleys and alongside waterways. There are options for all abilities, from easier rides to more difficult, longer-distance challenges.

Yes, there are routes suitable for beginners and families. For an easier ride with scenic views, consider the Hartshead Pike Tower – View from Hartshead Pike loop from Saddleworth. This 10.4-mile (16.7 km) path includes a climb to Hartshead Pike, offering rewarding views of the surrounding area.

For those seeking a challenge, the region offers routes with significant climbs and longer distances. The View of Mardale Moor – Slaithwaite village and canal loop from Greenfield is a difficult 45.3-mile (72.9 km) trail leading through moorland and canal-side sections, providing a substantial workout.

Road cycling around Dovestone reservoir is enjoyable throughout the year, but each season offers a different experience. Spring and summer provide warmer weather and lush landscapes, while autumn brings vibrant colors to the moorland. Winter cycling is possible, though conditions can be colder and routes may be more exposed to the elements, so appropriate gear is essential.

Many routes in the Dovestone reservoir area utilize quieter country roads that wind through rural landscapes and moorland. While specific traffic levels can vary, routes that venture further into the Peak District fringes, such as the Standedge Cutting – Bank Bottom Mill, Marsden loop from Saddleworth, often offer a more tranquil cycling experience.

The rolling hills and moorland around Dovestone reservoir offer numerous opportunities for panoramic views. The climb to Hartshead Pike, featured in the Hartshead Pike Tower – View from Hartshead Pike loop from Saddleworth route, provides excellent vistas. Other routes, like the Windy Hill Communication Tower – View of Mardale Moor loop from Greenfield, also pass by elevated points with expansive views of the surrounding countryside.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in the Dovestone reservoir area are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For example, the Standedge Cutting – Bank Bottom Mill, Marsden loop from Saddleworth is a popular circular route that takes you through varied rural landscapes.

The villages and towns surrounding Dovestone reservoir, such as Saddleworth, Greenfield, and Slaithwaite, offer various cafes, pubs, and shops where you can refuel. Routes like the View of Mardale Moor – Slaithwaite village and canal loop from Greenfield pass directly through villages like Slaithwaite, providing convenient stops for refreshments.

There are over 60 road cycling routes available around Dovestone reservoir on komoot, offering a wide variety of distances and difficulties to explore. These routes have been enjoyed by over 2,600 road cyclists.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 100 reviews. Reviewers often praise the varied terrain, the mix of challenging climbs and accessible sections, and the scenic beauty of the reservoirs, hills, and moorland.

Experienced riders looking for longer distances will find several options. The Holmfirth town centre – Bank Bottom Mill, Marsden loop from Greenfield is a challenging 48.7-mile (78.4 km) route that offers significant elevation gain and takes you through diverse landscapes, including parts of the Holme Valley.