The differing landscapes of the Peak District offer some of the best
off-road cycling in Britain, from loose surface climbs and gnarly rocky
descents that test both nerve and technical skills, to ancient
pack-horse trails, long grassy drover's roads and converted railway
tracks.
In the Tissington, Manifold and High Peak Trails, the White Peak
has some of the longest converted railway tracks in the country. A
great way for families and inexperienced cyclists to enjoy traffic-free
cycling, with great views and make useful links between "proper"
off-road sections, as well as a chance to really get some speed up.
Each route has been chosen for its overall quality - a firm belief that
bikes are for riding, the inclusion of technical difficulty for its own
sake, or too much pushing or carrying, has been avoided wherever
possible.
All are circular, and where possible start at, or near to,
main roads or railway stations, to avoid creating extra motorised
traffic on the quiet lanes that we are intending to travel.
The
direction chosen is intended to provide the best views, and more
importantly, to keep the steepest and longest climbs on tarmac or
similar surfaces, and the best downhills, off-road.
The routes are made up as follows:
- Easy
- Almost flat routes, usually around 10 miles in length and on good
surfaces that in all but extreme conditions should be 100% rideable.
With easy navigation and any real climbs on tarmac, these are
particularly suitable for beginners or family groups.
- Moderate
- More challenging routes, generally of 12 to 15 miles over more
undulating terrain and varied surfaces (possibly including mud when
wet). More exciting downhills, and steeper climbs may need the
occasional push.
- More strenuous - Longer routes with
significant ascents which will certainly need pushing or carrying. Steep
and/or technical, and rough and rocky descents. May cross high, remote
moorland, requiring appropriate equipment and experience
If you're looking for the "Oh my God" factor, this isn't the place.
Instead, here's a collection of superbly varied and rideable routes to
help you discover the best of the Peak District by bike.
Contents:
1. Bakewell Circuit
2. Castleton Circuit
3. Edale ― Hayfield Circuit
4.Eyam Circuit
5. Hope ― Edale ― Castleton Circuit
6. Ladybower South Circuit
7. Parsley Hay’s Circuit
8. Stanage Circuit
9. Strines Circuit
10. Winster Circuit
