Start/Finish: Hulme End or Waterhouses/Waterhouses or Hulme End
Length: 9 miles / 14.5km
Description: A short but very attractive cycle route along the wooded valley floor that follows the route of the former Leek & Manifold Light Railway, a curious but ultimately unprofitable line that closed in 1934. The trail includes an information centre, seasonal cycle hire (southern end), tearooms and toilets. Most of the route is traffic-free, but there is one short section along a country lane used by vehicles.
Map/guidebook: OS Explorer 24: White Peak 1:25,000 map
Best bit: Wetton Mill to Weag's Bridge, the central part of the route, takes you into the heart of the deep-cut limestone valley, with steep wooded slopes, bare rock outcrops and the dramatic entrance to Thor's Cave far above.
Links with: Waterhouses Loop via Morridge and Longnor
