Derwent and Howden Reservoirs Gravel Trail

Long stretch of mainly unsurfaced gravel road that starts at the turn-off from the A57 and steadily climbs up the eastern bank of all three reservoirs - Ladybower, Derwent and Howden. It crosses the bridge over the river Derwent at Slippery Stones and continues for a short distance on the opposite side until it eventually joins up with the tarmac road that runs along the western bank of the reservoirs and back down to the A57.
It's undulating but not too challenging (by Peak district standards). For the most part it's a good surface so a great place to try out gravel riding if you're new to it. The bumpiest section is at the northern end just before Slippery Stones.
The whole circuit is lovely but I prefer to climb up the gravel side and go back down on the road, stopping for a cuppa at Fairholmes kiosk.
The surface is fine for touring bikes too.

This lovely section of gravel takes you along Derwent and Howden reservoirs and ascends to Slippery Stones. It links with the gravel trail around Ladybower to the south and then onto the MTB classic Cut Gate in the north. The scenery is spellbinding along this section and beyond.

Great place to stop and have a refreshments by the waterside.