Walking & Cycling
Manifold Trail – Our Doorstep
Distance: 9 miles/14.5km
Duration: approx. 2 hours by bike
Gentle gradient with easy biking and walking terrain.
“This child-friendly route in the White Peak manages to pack a decent amount of interest into a relatively short ride. Starting at Hulme End, it is a gentle amble through the picturesque valleys of the Hamps and Manifold rivers, via the hamlet of Ecton, passing beneath the famous Thor’s Cave gaping over the trail from its position up in the limestone spur. This section, with its rocky outcrops and surrounding wooded slopes, is the most dramatic of the trail. It was the first railway path in Britain to be converted for public use after the Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway shut in 1934 after a mere 30 years of service.” – The Guardian
Tissington Trail
Suitable for families and the disabled.
Start/Finish: Ashbourne (Mapleton Lane) or Parsley Hay (off A515 near Hartington)
Length: 13 miles / 21km
A linear route along a former railway, parallel with the Ashbourne-Buxton A515. It begins with a 350m-long tunnel out of Ashbourne then passing north through Tissington, Alsop and Hartington to merge with the High Peak Trail near Parsley Hay. Easy gradient and firm surface throughout, with picnic tables and toilets at the former Tissington and Hartington stations. Cycle hire available at either end. There are sweeping views over the rolling green dales of the White Peak, plus a chance to explore the quintessentially English village of Tissington with tea room and Tissington Hall.
Monsal Trail
Suitable for families and all ages with easy access.
Start/Finish: Bakewell/Topley Pike, east of Buxton
Length: 8.5 miles / 13.7km
Former Midland Railway’s from London to Manchester line begins near the historic market town of Bakewell, then via tunnels, cuttings and dramatic viaducts heads through the dramatic limestone scenery of the Wye Valley past old quarries and nature reserves. Mostly level, well surfaced and entirely traffic-free. Car parks and toilets at Bakewell, Hassop, Monsal Head and Miller’s Dale. Note: the trail ends on the A6 and there is as yet no traffic-free cycling route through to Buxton. Cycle hire: Cycle hire at Hassop Station (eastern end) and Blackwell Mill (western end).
White to Dark
Why not challenge yourself to the 3 day trail from white to dark peak beginning in Bakewell and finishing in Hope via beautiful landscapes and numerous pubs serving fine local ales.
www.livefortheoutdoors.com
Other useful links for cycling:
www.peakdistrict.gov.uk
www.peakblackwellcyclehire.com
www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/cycle/bike-hire-centres/parsleyhay
Nearby Unmissable Attractions
Heights of Abraham – Matlock Bath
Time from farm: 35mins
Learn about the local geology of the area through guided tours of the Great Masson Cave and fossil factory and experience life of a 17th Century lead miner down the Great Rutland Cavern Nestus Mine. Excellent for children to play on the Woodland Adventure and Explorers Challenge.
Superb day out with lots to see and entertain for all the family!
www.heightsofabraham.com
Haddon Hall – Bakewell
Time from farm: 35 mins
“The most perfect English house to survive from the Middle Ages” – Simon Jenkins
www.haddonhall.co.uk
Chatsworth House – Bakewell
Time from farm: 40mins
Home of the Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.
www.chatsworth.org
Poole’s Cavern – Buxton
Time from farm: 30mins
“Underground scenery of the Peak District”
www.poolescavern.co.uk
Go Ape! – Buxton
Time from farm: 30mins
The UK’s number one Tree Top adventure!
www.goape.co.uk
Alton Towers
Time from farm: 35mins
Home to Britain’s most-loved theme park with great kids attractions and white-knuckle roller coaster rides.
www.altontowers.com