The best traffic-free bike rides around Fontburn Reservoir

There are several dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes around Fontburn Reservoir, offering a variety of distances and elevations. Our guide features 4 routes, ranging from moderate to difficult, ensuring options for different fitness levels.

The no-traffic road cycling routes around Fontburn Reservoir generally feature mostly well-paved surfaces, making for an enjoyable ride. You'll encounter picturesque farmland and lush woodlands, with varying ascents depending on the route chosen. Expect a mix of gentle inclines and more challenging climbs, especially on longer routes.

While some routes require good fitness, there are moderate options available. For example, the Capheaton Tea Room – Bolam Lake loop from Nunnykirk is a moderate 45.8 km ride with around 440 meters of elevation gain, offering a good balance for those seeking a less strenuous experience.

For experienced cyclists looking for a significant challenge, routes like the Rothbury Bridge – Druridge Bay loop from Rothbury offer a substantial ride of over 126 km with more than 1170 meters of ascent. Another demanding option is the Rothbury Village Centre – Descent to Alwinton loop from Rothbury, which covers 73.3 km with over 1000 meters of climbing.

Yes, many of the routes in the Fontburn Reservoir area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. For instance, the Rothbury Village Centre – Glanton Post Office loop from Rothbury is a circular route of 46.3 km, perfect for exploring the scenic surroundings without retracing your steps.

The routes offer beautiful surrounding scenery, including picturesque farmland and lush woodlands. You'll cycle past the tranquil waters of Fontburn Reservoir itself, which features an interesting 'plughole' spillway. Many routes also provide fine views of the Simonside Hills. The area is a local wildlife site, so keep an eye out for red squirrels, badgers, roe deer, and various bird species.

While the listed road cycling routes are generally for more active riders, the Fontburn Reservoir area itself is very family-friendly. There's a waymarked circular walk around the reservoir (approximately 5.5 km), a children's play area, and picnic spots, making it a great destination for a day out where cycling can be combined with other activities. For cycling, consider shorter sections or the easier routes if your family is comfortable with road cycling.

Fontburn Reservoir offers convenient facilities, including car parks. These are typically well-situated for accessing the cycling routes and other amenities like toilets and a shop.

The area is beautiful year-round, but spring and summer offer the most pleasant weather for cycling, with longer daylight hours and generally milder temperatures. Autumn brings stunning foliage to the woodlands, making for a picturesque ride, though you should be prepared for cooler temperatures and potentially wetter conditions.

Yes, the Fontburn Reservoir area has a shop selling refreshments. Additionally, some routes, like the Capheaton Tea Room – Bolam Lake loop from Nunnykirk, pass by specific tea rooms or villages where you can find cafes and pubs to refuel during your ride.

The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience around Fontburn Reservoir, with an average score of 5.0 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet roads, beautiful scenery, and the sense of tranquility found on these no-traffic routes, making it an ideal spot for a peaceful and engaging ride.