I started Saturday’s Stockport Community Cycling Club ride around Derwent Reservoirs with mixed feelings. Since we were riding to the start up and over Snake Pass and then later returning to Stockport via Mam Tor, it was always going to be a challenging ride testing our fitness just before our upcoming JOGLE cycle ride (under two weeks to go now!). There was also however a little disappointment that Sarah was unable to join in on this test as she recovers from her broken foot.

We had walked around Upper Derwent reservoir a couple of years ago when my brother visited but hadn’t been back since. So I was looking forward to the cycle ride.

It was a cool but sunny day as we met in the Fairhomes car park and cycled down to the start at the visitor centre. The first section of our ride began with us cycling along the road along the left-hand side of Howden’s Reservoir.

Through Ridge Wood.

As you enter Upper Wood the road gives way to a well-surfaced track.

We crossed the River Derwent and took a short break.

From here we climbed a track along the hillside on the other side of Howden’s Reservoir.

Through Ronksley Wood.

As the sunshine warmed the day this a time for ambling by the side of the reservoir with Jackson’s Wood on the other side.

And then Shireowler’s and Hancock Woods.

We picked up Derwent Lane and headed back for a cuppa and a snack at Derwent visitor centre. The food here is basic, cheap and quite tasty.

After the break it was back up Derwent Lane but this time we headed down the east side of Upper Derwent reservoir.

With Pike Low on our left there were views around every corner.

Finally we reached Snake Road. Here we took our group photo before a number of us left the group to cycle on to Castleton. The rest of the group would cycle across the Ashopton Viaduct and then up the west-side of the reservoir back to the start.

As mentioned earlier Andy S, Neil and I cycled up and over Snake Pass to the start. We were joined by Graham and David for our return journey over Mam Tor. Below are a few photo’s from these sections.

This had been a lovely day for cycling with some fabulous scenery. On the club ride we had cycled 15 miles around the reservoirs, thanks to Bruce and John for leading the ride. By the time I arrived home I had cycled nearly 66 miles and climbed just over 5000 feet …and survived! A big thanks to Andy S, Neil, Graham and David here. All-in-all it had been excellent training and I think I am almost ready for our JOGLE tour now. 🙂

You can view the Derwent Reservoirs  route, including the Snake Pass route to the start and Mam Tor return route below:
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