Fancy a ride in Britain's finest National Park? Then check out our website for the best places to go on two wheels in the Peak District, with routes to suit all abilities and a round-up of the local facilities and attractions on offer.
Cycling in the Peak District is really taking off, thanks in part to the opening up of traffic-free trails along former railway lines - all of them showcased here. They're great if you want to enjoy breathtaking scenery in peace and safety, and on many you can hire bikes for the day and search out village pubs and cafes for that perfect day out.
Our website also features some hand-picked mountain bikes routes, as well as a few longer rides around quiet country lanes if you really want to stretch your legs. Cycling in whatever form you choose is one of the best exercises imaginable. It's healthy, affordable and environmentally-friendly, and the perfect way to both enjoy and respect the natural beauty of the Peak District National Park.
We launched our site in 2011 and some elements are still being developed, so give us your feedback and let us know what you like about it and what can be improved.
The Peak District is mainly in Derbyshire but extends into surrounding
counties. Amongst the attractions are Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall
and gardens, Eyam (the plague village) Hall and the Caverns in the
Peak. There is something
for everyone, walkers, climbers (gritstone edges such as Stanage, Birchen,
Froggatt, Curbar and bouldering), sightseers looking for stately homes,
museums, or stunning scenery, gardeners, steam railway enthusiasts
and families looking
for theme parks. Geographically, it is divided into two regions, the
White Peak and the Dark Peak.
The Peak District has a wealth of quiet minor roads suitable for cycle touring. Several of the disused railway track beds have been converted into cycle trails, perfect for family groups, disabled cyclists and occasional cyclists. In addition, there is plenty of off-road action for both inexperienced and experienced mountain bikers on fantastic singletrack, bridleways and other tracks.
High Peak Trail
There are plenty of places to join the trail which is a
dismantled railway (see the High Peak Trail page for more information
about the Cromford and
High Peak Railway). You can start at the Cromford canal junction (3/4
mile incline to get you warmed up plus a shorter but equally as steep
one to get to Middleton Top!) and go almost to Buxton. For a flatter
start, you could go from Middleton Top which misses out the main climbs
or start at the Buxton end. Parsley Hay and Friden are also popular
starting points.
Tissington Trail
Another dismantled railway running from Ashbourne to join the High Peak
trail south of Parsley Hay. You could make a longer circular ride by starting
at Ashbourne, then head SE on the High Peak trail from Parsley Hay, coming
off at Middleton Top or Black rocks and return to Ashbourne via the roads
and assorted bridleways.
Manifold Way
This runs from Waterhouses to Hulme End and passes through the valleys of
the river Hamps and Manifold. Off road trail and minor road cycling. Passes
the Thor's Cave and the Ecton Copper mine, following the track bed of the
former narrow gauge Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway.
Sustrans
Sustrans is the national UK charity dedicated to the promotion
of sustainable transport, getting people out on foot, bike or by public
transport. Sustrans has organised a large number of cycle
routes nationwide. Some make it easier and safer for cycle commuters
whilst others follow mainly quiet roads and bridleways to enable cycle
tourists to enjoy their exploration of the countryside. Each is signposted
and it
is possible to obtain the maps for a small fee from the Sustrans web
site at http://www.sustrans.org.uk.
All monies support the work of this charity. Some of the key sustrans
cycle routes open in (or near to) the Peak District are National Route
6 from Leicester to Sheffield, National Route 54 from Lichfield to
Little Eaton and National Route 68, The Pennine Cycleway (which continues
north from the Peak District right up the Berwick-upon-Tweed. You can
find a free overview map of the national routes and local cycle trails
free here.
Basic Bike Maintenance
Keeping your bike in tip-top condition is essential not
just for safety but also to avoid a long walk! Here are a few tips on maintaining
your bike in good condition. The list is not exhaustive by any means but checking
after a ride can save disappointment ...
Tyres - after each ride, visually inspect your tyres and
check that there are no cuts in the rubber that are deep. Also check for thorns
or other small sharp objects. This can help avoid the annoying need to repair
a puncture just before you hop on the bike for the next ride.
Drivetrain - clean it thoroughly if you have been riding
somewhere muddy and re-lubricate.
Wipe off any excess lubricant with a clean cloth. This
will help to stop the chain and other components rusting. Check the system
regularly for wear and replace it before it has had chance to wear away the
teeth of
the
chainset
or gears
otherwise
you will have an expensive repair!
Brakes - whether you have disc brakes or rim brakes, visually
check for wear and replace the pads if they are getting low. Both types of
brakes have pads that wear surprising fast in adverse conditions.
Other areas of your bike to check between rides are the wheel
bearings and head set. If there is any 'play' it is advisable to get them adjusted.
Play means that the bearings are loose and that can lead to premature failure.
