Cycle Routes for Groups
Where you can go that's great for your group
The 'railway trails' through the heart of the Peak District are ideal for group outings, especially for those that are new to cycling or haven't been on a bike too often. The fully insured, local authority-run cycle hire centres at the likes of Parsley Hay and Middleton Top use a variety of well-maintained, reliable bikes that you can book in advance for your group. There are special rates for pre-booked school groups (usually ten or more) and the cost of helmets, pumps and locks are included in the price. The large car parks dotted periodically along the trails are also suitable for mini buses, and some have toilets and picnic sites.
For a different Peak District experience try the routes around Carsington Water, where groups of ten or more can book adult and child bikes for two hours and upwards on a variety of routes, including a full 8-mile (13km) circuit of the reservoir.
The Peak District is both a fun and educational place to bring groups.
Whether you're exploring Derbyshire Wildlife Trust's nature
reserves in Miller's Dale or the legacy of quarrying around Wirksworth
and Brassington, there's lots to see - and what better and
healthier way to do it than on a bike?
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.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.Tissington Trail
Former Ashbourne to Buxton railway line, relatively flat and well surfaced with no road crossings. Great views over the White Peak. Seasonal cycle hire, including adapted bikes, at Parsley Hay and Ashbourne.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.
