Peak District Cycling Routes
The Peak District is one of Britain’s best cycling destinations, offering everything from flat canal towpaths suitable for families to challenging mountain passes that test even experienced cyclists. The mix of gritstone edges, limestone dales, and peaceful valleys creates spectacular cycling with varied terrain.
This guide reveals the Peak District’s best cycling routes, explaining what each offers and how to plan your Peak District cycling adventure.
Peak District Cycling Overview
The Peak District offers cycling for all abilities:
Easy routes: Canal towpaths and gentle valleys, suitable for families and casual cyclists.
Moderate routes: Valley roads with some climbing, suitable for regular cyclists.
Challenging routes: Mountain passes and steep climbs, suitable for experienced cyclists.
Mountain biking: Extensive off-road trails and bridleways across the Peaks.
Traffic considerations: Some main roads are busy with fast traffic. Choose routes carefully and be prepared.
Essential Cycling Routes
1. The Monsal Trail
The Monsal Trail is perhaps the Peak District’s most popular cycling route—a former railway converted to a traffic-free path running through spectacular limestone dales. The route is approximately 8.5 miles (13.7 km) one-way, mostly flat, with spectacular scenery.
Route: Bakewell to Coombs via Blackwell Mill
Distance: 8.5 miles one-way (17 miles return)
Time: 1.5-2.5 hours return depending on pace
Difficulty: Easy (mostly flat, gentle gradients)
Surface: Excellent, largely traffic-free former railway
What makes the Monsal Trail special is its spectacular scenery and traffic-free riding. The route passes through beautiful dales, crosses spectacular viaducts, and runs along the River Wye with limestone cliffs towering above.
Bike hire: Available at Bakewell and various points along the route.
Best for: Families, casual cyclists, spectacular scenery without traffic concerns.
2. Tissington Trail
The Tissington Trail is another former railway converted to a traffic-free path, running from Tissington to Parsley Hay. The route is approximately 8 miles (13 km) one-way, mostly flat with gentle gradients, through varied Peak District scenery.
Route: Tissington to Parsley Hay
Distance: 8 miles one-way (16 miles return)
Time: 1.5-2 hours return depending on pace
Difficulty: Easy to moderate (mostly flat with gentle gradients)
Surface: Excellent, largely traffic-free former railway
What makes the Tissington Trail special is its varied scenery from rural countryside through limestone dales to spectacular reservoir views. The route is less crowded than the Monsal Trail while equally scenic.
Bike hire: Available at Tissington.
Best for: Scenic cycling without crowds, easy access from surrounding towns.
3. High Peak Trail
The High Peak Trail is a challenging mountain pass route from Buxton to Chapel-en-le-Frith, following former packhorse routes across the Peak District’s high points. The route is approximately 14 miles (22.5 km) one-way with significant climbing.
Route: Buxton to Chapel-en-le-Frith
Distance: 14 miles one-way (can be cycled one-way in either direction)
Time: 3-4 hours depending on fitness and pace
Difficulty: Challenging (approximately 1,600 feet of climbing)
Surface: Mix of traffic-free paths and quiet country lanes
What makes the High Peak Trail special is its spectacular high-level views and challenging nature. The route follows historic packhorse routes across the Peak District’s highest points, offering spectacular views across the Peaks and beyond.
Best direction: Either direction works; some prefer Buxton to Chapel (more climbing early) or vice versa.
Best for: Experienced road cyclists, spectacular high-level views, challenging climbs.
4. Transpennine Trail (Peak District Section)
The Transpennine Trail runs across northern England, with a spectacular section through the Peak District from Sheffield to Manchester. This section is approximately 45 miles (72 km) and can be cycled over 2-3 days.
Route: Sheffield to Manchester via the Peaks
Distance: 45 miles (can be cycled in sections or full route)
Time: 2-3 days depending on fitness and sections chosen
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (varies by section)
Surface: Mix of traffic-free paths, quiet lanes, and busier sections
What makes the Transpennine Trail Peak District section special is its variety—from industrial Sheffield heritage through spectacular Peak District scenery to Manchester suburbs. The route shows how different landscapes connect across the Peaks.
Planning: Most cyclists break the route into shorter sections. Popular sections include Sheffield to Glossop, Glossop to Stockport, and the final approach to Manchester.
Best for: Multi-day cycling, landscape variety, Sheffield to Manchester connection.
5. Upper Derwent Valley Route
The Upper Derwent Valley offers spectacular cycling with reservoirs, dams, and mountain scenery. The route from Ladybower Reservoir to Derwent Reservoir is approximately 5 miles (8 km) each way, with some climbing.
Route: Ladybower Reservoir to Derwent Reservoir and back
Distance: 10 miles round trip (can be extended)
Time: 1.5-2.5 hours depending on pace
Difficulty: Moderate (some climbing, particularly at reservoir dams)
Surface: Quiet roads around reservoirs
What makes the Upper Derwent Valley special is its dramatic mountain scenery. The route passes between two massive reservoirs with spectacular dams and surrounding mountain peaks creating a dramatic cycling backdrop.
Extension: The route can be extended to include surrounding valleys and villages, making a full-day adventure.
Best for: Spectacular mountain scenery, moderate cycling with dramatic views.
Mountain Biking Routes
6. Ladybower Reservoir Trails
Ladybower Reservoir has extensive mountain biking trails around its shores and through surrounding woodlands. The trails vary from easy family routes to technical singletrack.
Location: Near Sheffield and Ladybower Reservoir
Access: Various car parks around the reservoir
Trails: 10-20 miles of marked trails varying by difficulty
Difficulty: Easy to challenging
Surface: Forest paths, some technical singletrack
What makes Ladybower special is its variety and accessibility. The trails cater to all abilities from families to expert mountain bikers, with reservoir views throughout.
Bike hire: Available at various local bike shops.
Best for: Mountain bikers of all abilities, forest riding, reservoir views.
7. Goyt Valley
The Goyt Valley has mountain biking trails of various difficulties, ranging from easy family routes through challenging technical trails through woodlands and open countryside.
Location: Between Sheffield and Manchester (Goyt Valley)
Access: Various parking points along the valley
Trails: 15-25 miles of marked trails
Difficulty: Easy to challenging
Surface: Woodland paths, some technical sections
What makes the Goyt Valley special is its accessibility from major cities and varied trail network. The valley is accessible from both Sheffield and Manchester by public transport.
Bike hire: Available locally and from city bike shops.
Best for: Mountain bikers, accessible from major cities, varied riding.
8. The Hope Valley
The Hope Valley has extensive mountain biking trails around its surrounding hills and woodlands, with spectacular Peak District scenery and varied riding.
Location: Hope Valley, northern Peak District
Access: Various parking points around Hope Valley villages
Trails: 20-30 miles of marked trails and bridleways
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Surface: Woodland paths, moorland trails, some technical sections
What makes the Hope Valley special is its spectacular mountain scenery and extensive trail network. The trails pass beneath dramatic Peak District hills and through beautiful woodlands.
Bike hire: Available in Hope and other valley towns.
Best for: Mountain bikers, spectacular scenery, extensive trail network.
Cycling Etiquette and Safety
Follow rules: The Peaks have cycling rules. Follow them to maintain access.
Respect other users: Paths are shared with walkers, horses, and other cyclists. Be considerate.
Yield to faster cyclists: Let faster riders pass safely.
Yield to walkers: Walkers have right of way. Pass safely and considerately.
No littering: Take all rubbish with you. The Peaks are fragile landscapes.
Weather: The Peaks weather changes rapidly. Check forecasts and be prepared.
Equipment: Wear a helmet. Mountain biking requires proper protective gear for technical trails.
Tell someone: Let someone know your route and expected return time.
Seasonal Cycling
Spring: Good weather, wildflowers, longer days. Some trails muddy after winter.
Summer: Best weather, busiest time. Early starts avoid crowds.
Autumn: Beautiful colours, cooler weather. Some trails can be muddy.
Winter: Challenging weather, short days. Some routes closed or very muddy. Only for experienced cyclists with proper equipment.
Planning Your Peak District Cycling
By ability:
- Beginner/family: Monsal Trail, Tissington Trail, Ladybower easy trails
- Regular cyclist: High Peak Trail, Upper Derwent Valley, Goyt Valley moderate trails
- Experienced road cyclist: High Peak Trail, Transpennine Trail, challenging road climbs
- Mountain biker: Ladybower technical trails, Hope Valley challenges, extensive trail network
By duration:
- Half-day: Monsal Trail, Tissington Trail, single reservoir ride
- Full-day: High Peak Trail, Upper Derwent Valley extended, extensive mountain biking
- Multi-day: Transpennine Trail sections, extensive Peak District exploration
By accommodation:
- Camping: Various campsites across the Peaks
- Hostels: YHA hostels in various locations
- B&Bs: Widely available in Peak District towns and villages
Cycling Photography Tips
Monsal Trail: Viaducts and limestone cliffs are spectacular. Early morning light is best.
High Peak Trail: High-level views across the Peaks are outstanding. Summit shots with bikes are classic.
Reservoirs: Ladybower, Derwent, and other reservoirs provide dramatic backdrops for cycling shots.
Woodlands: Forest riding creates atmospheric photography, particularly in mist or autumn colours.
Technical trails: Mountain biking action shots on technical sections and descents.
A Final Thought
The Peak District’s cycling routes offer something for every ability, from gentle canal paths to challenging mountain passes. The mix of spectacular scenery, varied terrain, and well-maintained paths makes the Peaks one of Britain’s best cycling destinations.
The key is to choose routes appropriate to your ability and expectations. The Monsal Trail offers spectacular family cycling with minimal effort. The High Peak Trail provides challenging riding for experienced cyclists. Mountain bikers have extensive trail networks across the Peaks.
Whatever your ability, the Peaks offer spectacular cycling through some of Britain’s most beautiful landscapes. The reward is not just exercise but the views, the experience, and the sense of accomplishment from completing challenging routes.
So plan your route, check your equipment, and discover why the Peaks are a cycling paradise. The reward is spectacular scenery and memorable rides through one of Britain’s finest landscapes.
This guide reveals the Peak District’s best cycling routes, from the traffic-free Monsal and Tissington Trails to the challenging High Peak Trail and Transpennine sections, from mountain biking at Ladybower to Hope Valley trails. The Peaks offer cycling for all abilities with spectacular scenery. Plan your cycling adventure and discover why the Peaks are one of Britain’s top cycling destinations.