Mountain Biking in the Peak District

There are plenty of places you can go for nice gentle bike rides in the Peak District – in fact, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favourite Peak District cycling routes – but the national park is also home to a wide variety of exhilarating mountain biking trails. This hilly part of the world is, unsurprisingly, a popular destination for mountain bikers – from advanced downhill rides to trail centres where you can perfect your skills, the Peak District has it all. Read on to find out more about mountain biking in the Peak District, from locations that match your skill level to top tips for preparation.

Iconic Peak District MTB trails

This section covers some of the most famous (and sometimes infamous) mountain biking routes in the Peak District. These trails should only be taken on by experienced riders who know their stuff. 

Jacob’s Ladder

Start/end: Edale car park 

Distance: 7.5 miles (12 km)

Elevation gain: 500 metres

Arguably the most iconic mountain bike trail in the Peak District, Jacob’s Ladder in Edale is renowned for its steep climbs and technical descents. Dropping down from the edge of Kinder Scout, its combination of rocky terrain and breathtaking views draws riders from far and wide. While it's well-drained and generally not too muddy, it is exposed to the elements, which adds to its challenging nature. 

Cut Gate Path

Start/end: Langsett Reservoir 

Distance: 12.5 miles (20 km) out and back

Elevation gain: 600 metres

With a backdrop of dramatic moorland scenery, Cut Gate Path in the Dark Peak has a great mix of sweeping hillside traverses, rocky downhill sections and peat bogs. Add views over the Ladybower and Langsett reservoirs into the mix and you’ve got a great day out (albeit one that could involve getting a little muddy). There’s no phone signal at the top, and the trail is very exposed, with no trees or shelter, so this is one for good weather only. 

Stanage Edge to Hathersage 

Start/end: Stanage Edge car park 

Distance: 15.5 miles (25 km) each way

Elevation gain: 600 metres

Rocky descents, technical climbs and beautiful views are up for grabs on this stunning (but long) one-way route. Good fitness is required, especially if you’re also planning on cycling back to the start point. The trail traverses a great variety of scenery, from plantations to native woodlands, moorlands and, of course, the rocky cliffs of Stanage Edge itself, which extends north to south for approximately four miles. 

Ladybower Loop 

Start/end: Upper Derwent Visitor Centre

Distance: 22 miles (35 km)

Elevation gain: 800 metres

If you’ve ever cycled around a reservoir before, you may be picturing smooth tarmac paths with lots of picnic benches – but this isn’t an easy circuit by the water’s edge. With a great mix of scenery, including more woodland sections than the other routes listed here, this trail has stunning views over the water and the wider northern Peaks but it's certainly a challenge. 

MTB trail centres in the Peak District

Visiting the Peaks and looking for a variety of trails you can try out in one place? The Peak District National Park has a lot of open-access land for cyclists, but the surrounding area also has a couple of trail centres that are well worth checking out. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced mountain biker wanting to work on your technique, check out the locations below.

Lady Canning’s Plantation

The dedicated mountain biking centre at Lady Canning's Plantation is located at the eastern edge of the Peak District, close to the outskirts of Sheffield. While there are options for riders of all abilities, it’s best known for its blue and red trails like Blue Steel (a flowy blue trail with berms and rollers to enjoy) and Cooking on Gas (a more technical red route with jumps and big drops). As well as great trails through pleasant woodland scenery, the plantation has easy parking and is five minutes’ walk from a pub. 

Wharncliffe Woods 

Located just outside the national park near Sheffield, Wharncliffe Woods is a hilly area that’s popular with mountain bikers and walkers alike. Unlike Lady Canning’s Plantation, there aren’t any waymarked trails here, so make sure your equipment and experience are a match for the forest’s rough terrain. There are, however, several well reviewed unofficial trails that you can check out on user-generated pages like Trailforks. 

Top tips for mountain biking in the Peak District

• Preparation is vital. Make sure your bike is in top condition – check your brakes, tyres and suspension as a minimum, especially before you take on any of the bigger trails listed on this page. Pack appropriately for your trip – a repair kit with a spare inner tube and a pump are always useful, and you should always carry water, snacks and appropriate protective clothing too.

• Safety when mountain biking doesn’t mean you can never push yourself – but it does mean you should know your limits and challenge yourself only when you feel mentally and physically fit to do so. You should always wear a helmet, and ideally additional protective gear, especially when riding on more technical trails. If you’re heading out alone, tell a friend where you’re going and when you’re expected back. 

• Respect the environment by following the Countryside Code. Make sure to leave no trace, avoid disturbing wildlife and try to stick to official trails to avoid unnecessary erosion. 

• Mountain biking courses are a great way to discover more about the Peak District, especially if you’re new to the sport. Providers like Pure Outdoor and will4adventure can cater for all ages and abilities and take groups out to a variety of stunning locations around the national park.

Places to stay in the Peak District

Outdoor accommodation is perfect for an active holiday, and Pitchup has a wide range of Peak District campsites, glampsites and caravan parks to choose from. Some sites have facilities that mountain bikers are likely to appreciate, including drying rooms, laundry facilities and even on-site pubs.