Cycling in the Peak District

Gorgeous villages, stunning moorland and crag views, industrial heritage… the Peak District has it all – and what better way to appreciate all this beauty than by bike? While the national park is rightly famed for its network of off-road cycling trails, it’s also a bastion of demanding road cycling with steep ascents and high-speed descents. In this article, Pitchup has highlighted some of the Peak District’s best off- and on-road routes to inspire your next cycling adventure.

Family-friendly cycling routes

If you’re looking for safe and traffic-free off-road cycling trails for all the family, then you’ve come to the right place. The Peak District has several trails over gentle terrain on disused railway lines that are suitable for young children and novice cyclists. They'll soon be joined by the traffic-free Derwent Valley Cycleway, which is currently under development, with the section between Darley Park and Darley Abbey already open. 

Good to know: Other off-road options include the Tissington and Monsal trails; take a look at our Peak District family guide for more details.

Carsington Water

Length: 3 miles (5 km)/ 8 miles (13 km)

Difficulty: Easy/intermediate

Start/end: Paid car park at Carsington Water Visitor Centre

Right on the cusp of the national park and one of its most popular family attractions, Carsington Water has two off-road routes to choose from. If your party includes complete beginners or little legs, pick the shorter, waymarked trail that circles the visitor centre. For more of a challenge, choose the anti-clockwise route around the reservoir as you hit the hilly terrain first; after that it’s easy going until you hit the woodland at the head of the reservoir, where there are more undulating ups and downs.

Good to know: The visitor centre is well set up for families, with plenty of parking, picnic spots and a café in the visitor centre, which also offers bike hire.

High Peak Trail

Length: 17.5 miles (28 km)

Difficulty: Easy 

Start/end: Cromford or Dowlow

The High Peak Trail is a multi-use long-distance trail that follows the route of the mid-19th-century High Peak Railway. It has gentle gradients and wends its way through the limestone plateaus and lush valleys of the White Peak in the southern segment of the national park. Bring a picnic and enjoy a scenic stop along the way, and look out for the Bronze Age burial mounds at Minninglow Hill as you cycle. For a more demanding challenge, you have the option to merge onto the Tissington Trail at Parsley Hay.

Good to know: For shorter rides, you can get onto the High Peak Trail at various points including High Peak Junction, Middleton Top and Parsley Hay; cycle hire is available at the two latter hubs.

Road cycling routes

It’s all in the park's name really – road cyclists in the Peak District can expect hills, and lots of them. You’ll need to be fairly fit to conquer the myriad of challenging climbs on winding country roads… but you can have a breather on the rapid descents that follow. Just be prepared to repeat that pattern all day long!

Matlock Top 10

Distance: 39 miles (63 km)

Difficulty: Expert

Start/end: Matlock

As its title suggests, the circular Matlock Top 10 trail takes in 10 of the national park’s most testing hills, including Sydnope Hill, Bonsall and the infamous Rowsley Bar. If you’re looking for a hard workout, this is the route for you. As a bonus, it takes in some of the most stunning Peak District landscapes as it passes through the Derwent Valley; also look out for the standing stones on Stanton Moor. There are numerous cafés and pubs along the way if you need a refuelling stop – or you can pick up a tasty Bakewell tart from a bakery en route.

Good to know: Break yourself in gently by tackling the Top Four, a 20-mile (32.5-km) trail climbing four of the 10 ascents.

Winnats Pass

Distance: 1.1 miles (1.9 km)

Difficulty: Very hard with a consistent climb

Start: Castleton 

This challenging route through a limestone gorge is regarded as one of the UK’s most iconic climbs, notorious for its steep gradients (ranging from a consistent 10 percent to an arduous 20 percent nearing the summit) amid dramatic scenery. Ensure your bike’s gearing is suitable for steep climbs and keep an eye on the traffic on the narrow and winding road, but it’s worth every effort for the spectacular views of Mam Tor from the top of the pass – and the sheer sense of achievement too! 

Good to know: Combine this climb with the Central Peak Loop starting from the village of Hope and taking in Chatsworth House.

Tips for cycling in the Peak District

The Peak District is wonderfully cyclist-friendly, with bike hire and repair hubs close to the main traffic-free routes at Ashbourne, Parsley Hay and Derwent. Trampers for disabled visitors are available for rent at the latter two centres, and you can hire tagalongs, trailers and baby seats at all three venues.

Bike safety

• Ensure your bike is in good condition: check brakes, tyres and gears.

• Carry a puncture repair kit, spare tubes and a pump. 

Personal safety

• Check the weather and wear appropriate clothing.

• Wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing.

• Make sure your bike’s lights work.

• Follow the Highway Code, even when off road, and be mindful of other trail users.

Essentials to bring

• Hydration is key to enjoyment, so take plenty of water.

• Take energy snacks, especially important if you’re cycling with kids.

• Take a basic first-aid kit.

• Take fully charged phones to keep in touch with fellow bikers. 

• Take maps or a GPS app to stay on the right route.

• Carry a camera/smartphone to capture the majestic beauty of your surroundings.

Respect the environment

Follow the Countryside Code: 

• Take your litter home and leave no trace of your presence.

• Keep your distance from wildlife.

• Stick to designated cycling routes to prevent damage to the environment.

Cycling in the Peak District offers an incredible experience for riders of all levels. With its spectacular moorland and limestone valley landscapes and well-maintained off-road trails, the national park is rightly considered to be a top destination for cycling enthusiasts. If you’re up for some more hardcore cycling adventures in the Peak District, have a look at our guide to mountain biking in the national park. 

If you're looking for budget accommodation for your break, have a look at Pitchup's full range of Peak District campsites. With prices starting at a thrifty £10 per night for two people camping, cycling adventures in the national park can certainly be cost effective.