I’m a road cyclist at heart, but over the past weekend I took a little time out to explore some of the trails of the Peak District. Leaving my slick tyres at home, I joined fellow keen mountain bikers Sarah and Annie to enjoy some off road cycling. The Peak District has some stunning scenery, with rolling landscapes and beautiful views. The beauty of these trails is you have the chance to enjoy all of this traffic free. For myself, it was a brilliant way to relax and still enjoy doing what I love, without looking at speed, distance, Strava segments and everything else I find myself thinking about when riding my road bike. We set off and rode at a leisurely pace, stopping to admire the views and enjoy having some free time.
Below is some information on the trails we rode along with some super pro photography snapshots 🙂
High Peak Trail – NCN 54
Distance : 17 Miles (27km) – for walkers, cyclists and horse riders
Runs from: Dowlow, near Buxton to the High Peak Junction at Cromford.
Surface: Crushed limestone, nice wide tracks
The trail runs along the railway lines which were completed in 1831 to carry goods and minerals and then closed in 1967. This trail was my favourite of the weekend because you are so high and therefore can admire great views whilst riding, also its relatively flat. This trail links onto the Tissington Trail at Parsley Hay, which is shown a little further down.
Tissington Trail – NCN 68
Distance: 13 Miles (21km)
Runs from: Parsley Hay to Ashbourne
Surface: Crushed limestone, nice wide tracks
Another former railway which again takes in lovely scenery, wildlife and its great passing under the amazing bridges. I do like old bridges! When riding on the way to Ashbourne it’s just about all downhill. A steady downhill, but it makes it nice and easy. We stopped to have some lunch in Ashbourne before heading back and even then when you’re heading upwards it’s a really steady gradient and so nice easy riding.
Monsal Trail – NCN Route 680
Distance: 8.5 miles
Runs from: Chee Dale and Bakewell
Surface: Crushed limestone, nice wide tracks
This trail was the former midland railway line with the route opened to the public in 1981. The route includes lovely bridges and four tunnels which are each about 400m long. These are lit during daylight hours. Once again superb views and nice steady flat routes to enjoy
Sue Booth
September 13, 2015 at 9:10 amPpeak district is a fine place to explore trails - I know a few good cafe's in the area. We had a ladies weekend there back in 2012 - you can read my blog at http://www.chesterfabulousladies.blogspot.co.uk/p/ravenstor-weekend-2012.html Some right big climbs,but so worth it for the views!
Love Velo Lucy
September 14, 2015 at 4:13 pmIts a brilliant place to ride, and a beautiful part of the country. I liked you're blog post too, thanks for sharing it :)