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.manifoldcycling-brownendfarm.co.uk