Ladybower Reservoir - Doctor's Gate - Cut Gate Path
Summary: A 36 mile Peak District epic. Technically challenging and totally absorbing natural trails take you over exposed moorland and into 'secret' valleys. Ride across slab rock, rock gardens, boulder fields, up running bedrock streams and over rock stepups and drop downs. You'll be grinning ear to ear.
Essential Information: A testing loop, some remote and exposed countryside and a short A-road section. Best saved for good weather and for experienced mountain bikers only. Sections of both the "Gates" get very boggy in wet conditions. Cut Gate Path is a classic trail on it's own and makes a fine out and back ride. Just don't expect to be able to ride it all - even if you're mega experienced, you'll be carrying and pushing at some stage - trust me.
Head for Ladybower Reservoir, just off the A57 Snake Pass Road. In terms of facilities, Eyam and the Peak District has lots of café's, pubs and bed and breakfasts for you to make it a weekend occasion. There are several free car parks along the edge of the reservoir. There is also a car park at Fairholmes visitor centre - which does great post ride fayre!
Other Attractions: Takes in many of the Peak District reservoirs such as Langsett, Valehouse, Torside and Woodhead. The ride also goes very close to the pretty market town of Glossop.
Maps: Ordnance Survey Explorer OL 24
How to get there (Google Maps link)
Website: http://www.mountainbikerides.co.uk for a full route guide.
Read our review of Cut Gate Path