Cycle Routes with Access for All
Routes specially suited for riders with disabilities
At the heart of the Peak District is a network of converted
old railway tracks that now provide accessible and enjoyable cycling for
people of all abilities. Traffic-free cycleways like the Tissington and Monsal
Trails are made up of mostly level, hard surfaces with easily accessible
car parks, disabled toilets and picnic sites. The High Peak Trail has one
or two steeper slopes, but these are clearly shown on the map and by signs
in advance on the ground.
Along the actual trails are a number of cycle hire outlets with a range of specially
adapted bikes, including tandems, trikes and wheelchair bikes. Some also have
electric mobility scooters for hire, including Derwent (Fairholmes) in the Upper Derwent
Valley. Here you can explore the hard-surfaced routes around the scenic reservoirs
and, at peak times, even the tarmac road is closed to vehicular traffic allowing
you to explore in peace and safety.
Carsington Water Circuit
Gently undulating route around Carsington Water reservoir in south of the Peak; mostly traffic free; cycle hire.High Peak Trail
Mostly level, well surfaced and traffic-free route along old railway line across central/southern Peak; two cycle hire centres.Longdendale Trail
Short linear route through scenic Longdendale valley, north east of Glossop. Traffic-free, generally level with firm surface.Manifold Track
Follows level, winding course of long-gone light railway through wooded Manifold and Hamps valleys in the far south of the Peak; cycle hire.Middlewood Way
A level and scenic trail at the western edge of the Peak District. Traffic free and straightforward cycling close to the Macclesfield canal.Monsal Trail
Dramatic railway line turned traffic-free cycleway through heart of the Peak, recently extended from Bakewell to just outside Buxton. Includes tunnels and viaducts; cycle hire.Sett Valley Trail
A short, linear route for cyclists, walkers and horse riders along a former railway branch line between New Mills and Hayfield.Trans Pennine Trail
The long distance coast to coast cycle route is traffic-free through the Peak District on the Longdendale Trail and east of Dunford Bridge; in between is a section of road and a long climb.Upper Derwent Valley Reservoirs Circuit
Scenic and accessible loop around three reservoirs in the Upper Derwent Valley, combining minor road (closed at peak holiday times) and easy, level gravel tracks; cycle hire available.
