Bevvy’s, Buddies, Bikes - an unexpected surprise at Briseis Dam

We’d just arrived in Derby, unpacked our bags and already the boys were chomping at the bit to get on the bikes and start the adventure. I’m not a mountain biker by any stretch of the imagination (I’d tagged along this holiday under the promise of a cosy fireplace and free-flowing wine) and the thought of climbing up the hill they were pointing out to me was filling me with fear. I was told that the ‘view would be worth it’ - was that their way of telling me that there was going to be an enormously hard slog, switchback after steep switchback, which would eventually culminate in a 5 minute stop before we had to go careening back down?

Well, how wrong could I have been! Yes it was a climb up, yes my legs were a bit tired at the top, but wow not only was the view worth it, the entire trail was actually…...wait for it…... fun. So here’s a bit about what to expect. 

The trail

You can get to Briseis Dam easily from River Cabins Derby, just ride down the path in front of the house, to the pumptrack, over the stunning suspension bridge and you will land at the dam. If you fancy a quick easy warm-up before you start up the hill, do a lap or two around the dam. 

The trail takes you around the lake before the climb to the lookout

Then take the trail that forks up the mountain and start the climb. The switchbacks make it fairly easy, just sit back and take your time, you’ll reach the top before you even know it. 

Cracking a can of Little Rivers at the top makes the climb worth the effort!

Now, this is the most important part, make sure you’ve packed some tinnies and snacks as the view is really stunning and you’ll want to spend some time up there. There are a few seats and spots you can kick back and take in the stunning views below you. 

It’s one of the best views in town…. of the town, so don’t miss out on this one!

Written by: Kim Bush-Ellis