Peak District - Cycling Journey

'The circuit of all three reservoirs, Ladybower, Derwent and Howden is a very good ride, in magnificent scenery. A lot of the route is on rough tracks so a mountain bike is advisable, but this is a fairly flat route as mountain bike routes go, with relatively little rough ground.' We choose Upper Derwent Valley Reservoirs Circuits as our cycling journey. 

We're not fully equipped, but we're ready!

Let's begin our cycling journey!

'Start from the car park and information centre at Fairholmes. From there, follow the tarmac road up the valley, past Derwent Dam, alongside Derwent Reservoir, to reach Howden Dam and Reservoir.' Probably is because we didn't cycle for a long period and it's our first time after reaching UK (valid excuse? :P), so we've to take a short break when reach Howden Dam.

Wonder what's the function of these pillars

We enjoyed our cycling journey very much!

'Continue alongside Howden Reservoir to King's Tree, where the road ends. Go through the gate and continue along the rough track towards Slippery Stones and the packhorse bridge, which once stood at Derwent village.'

It's my bike, 369

Enjoying our lunch and the natural environment~ 

'Cross the packhorse bridge to the other side of the River Derwent - here no more than a stream. Continue leftwards for a short distance to reach a track which comes across at a higher level, then turn back right to follow this track back along the eastern side of the reservoirs. This track is fairly rough for most of the length of Howden Reservoir, but improves when you reach Derwent Reservoir.'

'On reaching Derwent Dam it is possible to cut the ride short by taking a right turn and returning to Fairholmes.' Due to lack of time (we only hire the bikes for 4 hours), we choose to shorten our journey and have to rush back to the bike hire centre. At last, we've made it! we're able to return the bikes on time :)

After returning the bikes, we go to a lakeside to take a break. The meadow is too comfortable for us to lay on, the weather is too lovely, and the air is so fresh, which make most of us accidentally fall asleep at here~ 

Howden Dam

It's a joyful cycling journey! The lovely scenes, cycling experience, and valuable memories are the best rewards for us :) The circuit which completed by us is about 17km, well done us! We're tired in an enjoyable way :D

*The sentences in Italic are sourced from <http://www.peakdistrictinformation.com/outdoors/cycle0.php>.