Cycling In The Peaks

Cycling the Peak DistrictThe Peak District is well known as a favourite region for cyclists of all kinds; the ruggedly diverse terrain represents an excellent training challenge for a number of road cycling clubs on weekends throughout the year, and supports a wealth of scenic cycle-routes which run through the heart of the breathtaking countryside. Cycling Clubs from Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham and Derby have spent most weekends cycling the Peak District since they were formed almost eighty years ago, and still have their favourite haunts, like the popular Lover's Leap at Stoney Middleton, the nostalgic olde worlde Elton Cafe, and the famous `Wriggly Tin' at Millers Dale. The Fairholmes Centre is a gathering point for cyclists in the Upper Derwent Valley, which is a popular place for mountain bikers and road cyclists alike and follows a simple route around the reservoirs. But be warned, some of it is only suitable for rugged mountain bikes! Mountain biking has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially in the White Peak where rallies are held along set circular courses which run through steep narrow dales, like Long Dale and Gratton Dale, and in and around the Manifold Valley on the Staffordshire border. Apart from mountain biking and road cycling, there are a number of special walking and cycling trails which follow the routes of old railway lines through the spectacular scenery of the Peak and are free to use and ideal for all the family. One of the most popular cycle routes lies in the south of the area, where riders can enjoy the recently constructed circular route around Carsington Water, which follows the gentle contours of the shoreline through a sylvan landscape of pleasantly wooded slopes for ten miles. The visitor centre complex has cycles for hire, and boasts a café, shop and full ameneties. For the real leisure cyclist there are six excellent cycling trails along former, mainly level railway routes through the Peak - The Longendale Trail, Sett Valley Trail, Monsal Trail, Manifold & Hamps Valley Trail, the Tissington Trail, and the High Peak Trail. The Longendale and Sett Valley Trails lie in the north of the region, with the former running along the level floor of the Longendale Valley on the track of the old Light Railway with some fantastic views, whilst the latter runs through the spectacular countryside from Hayfield to New Mills making for pleasant level cycling. The Monsal Trail - runs for eight and a half miles along the old track-bed of the Midland Railway from Coombs Viaduct, a mile south of Bakewell Station, to Blackwell Mill Junction at the head of Chee Dale, about three miles south of Buxton. The trail is interrupted by four closed tunnels, and parts are unsuitable for cyclists, but the section from Bakewell to Longstone Head and the spectacular viaduct at Monsal Dale offers a pleasant and leisurely cycle-ride. The Tissington Trail is very popular with cyclists and runs from Ashbourne thirteen miles northward to Parsley Hay, along the level trackbed of the old London & North Western Railway Company's Ashbourne to Buxton line. There are cycle-hire centres at either end of the trail, and both Mapleton Lane and Parsley Hay Hire Shops are attended from Easter to October. Excellent toilet, washroom and refreshment facilities are available at Hartington and Tissington, and excursion cycle-routes around the Hartington and Biggin villages. The Manifold & Hamps Trail lies to the south & west of the region, and runs from Hulme End to Waterhouses, along the course of the old Manifold Light Railway, with cycle-hire available at the old station in Waterhouses. The trail runs alongside the river in the beautiful Manifold Valley, and is popular for excursions to Thors Cave, set high in the limestone hills above. The High Peak Trail runs from High Peak Junction beyond Cromford Wharf, to Dowlow just south of Buxton, a distance of seventeen and a half miles along the course of the old Cromford & High Peak Railway. A full range of facilities are available at the Middleton Top visitor centre, including cycle-hire, which is also available at Parsley Hay, close to the junction with the Tissington Trail which terminates here. The Tissington and High Peak Trails are perhaps the most popular for hired cycles; both have cycle-hire centres - and customers can ride leisurely through the very heart of the wonderful white-peak countryside experiencing the unique atmosphere of the peak landscape, along two spectacular cycling trails - without changing bikes! Cycle-Hire is also available in the market towns of Buxton, Bakewell, Matlock and Ashbourne, and in a number of village centres throughout the Peak District, and cycling holidays are becoming an increasingly popular tourist attraction. With such facilities, and with the freedom of the Peak District National Park beckoning cyclist of all ages and abilities to indulge their passion for two-wheeled pedal-powered pleasure, little wonder that the Peak District of Derbyshire is regarded as the Mecca of cycling enthusiasts!