Ladybower Reservoir – Ladybower Reservoir Overflow loop from Hope

Bike touring routes & trails

Ladybower Reservoir – Ladybower Reservoir Overflow loop from Hope

Hard

riders

Ladybower Reservoir – Ladybower Reservoir Overflow loop from Hope

04:02

46.2km

1,040m

Cycling

Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 40.0 km for 381 m

After 40.9 km for 166 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

11.1 km

Abandoned Mam Tor Road

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

A falling apart old road with nice views, makes a descent climb on the gravel bike

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21.0 km

Edale Road to Pennine Way Start

Highlight • Viewpoint

A lovely quite road into Edale. Here is the starting point of the Pennine Way. A trail which runs for 431km to Kirk Yetholm in the Scottish Borders. There are a few cafes and a couple of nice pubs in the village.

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26.0 km

Potato Alley Descent

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

A top tip here is never to ride up it unless you really, really have to! But ridden downhill, this is always a grin inducer. Some hate the feeling of squirming over the spherical rocks and it can be unnerving feeling the spherical rocks (the potatoes in the name) squirm under your tyre, but if you relax and let the bike move under you it's brilliant. It's also worth noting that it is practically a river in wet weather. Also watch out for the bunny hop opportunity just before you join the tarmac.

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33.7 km

Derwent Dam East Tower

Highlight • Monument

Quiet place at the foot of the dam. Here you can rest on a couch and have something to drink or eat (if you brought it with you).

Translated by Google •

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35.4 km

Vicarage Wood

Forest

37.3 km

Ladybower Reservoir — Gravel Cycle Path

Highlight • Trail

Along the eastern edge of Ladybower Reservoir, the track is gravel rather than a single lane road as is found on the opposite side. It's fairly flat with only gentle climbs and a few gates along the way. During the winter there can be a few puddle-filled potholes – watch out!

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39.3 km

Ladybower Reservoir

Highlight • Structure

Ladybower is a large reservoir in the Upper Derwent Valley. The lake is surrounded by rugged upland, rolling farmland and majestic woodland, making it a wonderful place for myriad walks. When you climb above the reservoir, breathtaking views over the water await. The reservoir was built between 1935 and 1943. It was officially opened by King George VI in September 1945.

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40.4 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 overflows (essentially giant plug holes), which draw photographers from far and wide.

Ladybower was constructed between 1935-43 after the villages of Derwent and Ashopton were flooded (residents were rehomed nearby). It was officially opened by King George VI on September 24, 1945.

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41.6 km

Viewpoint

42.1 km

Thornhill Trail

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

A flat, easy-going cycle trail that is built on the old dam construction railway track. It's 2 miles (3 km) in length from the dam wall to the road that links up with Station Road in Bamford. It's suitable for all bikes but can get a bit muddy when it's wet. There are a couple of gates to open too.

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