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Peak District Cycling
The Peak District is well known for it's exciting opportunities for cyclists who enjoy a range of different experiences; from the exhilarating rugged terraim that presents a challenge to most to the scenic cycle-routes which run through the heart of the breathtaking countryside that can be enjpyed by all. The Peak District is home to many cycle clubs and is also a popular area for visits from clubs from miles around. There are also many places to hire cycles in the Peak District so that everyone can enjoy this popular pastime!
The Longendale Trail offers exceptional cycling, starting just outside Hadfield station, not far from Bottoms Reservoir, and follows the chain of reservoirs up the valley. Along the way it offers fine views along Longendale and across to Black Hill. There is a small car park in Hadfield and another at Torside, either of which would be convenient places to join the trail.
The Sett Valley Trail is two and half miles in length and used for recreational purposes by those enjoying Peak District Walking and Cycling. It follows the former track of the railway line that linked Hayfield with Manchester as far as New Mills. The route forms part of the Pennine Bridleway National Trail between Hayfield and Birch Vale and is of outstanding natural beauty.
The Monsal Trail follows eight and a half miles of the old track-bed of the Midland Railway from Coombs Viaduct, a mile south of Bakewell Station, to Blackwell Mill Junction at the head of Chee Dale, about three miles south of Buxton. The trail is interrupted by four closed tunnels, and parts are unsuitable for cyclists, but the section from Bakewell to Longstone Head and the spectacular viaduct at Monsal Dale offers pleasant and leisurely cycling.
The Tissington Trail runs along a 13 mile route from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay and provides fantastic cycling. At this point it joins up with the High Peak Trail, which runs from High Peak Junction to Dowlow near to Buxton. Surrounded by beautiful countryside the traffic-free trail is ideal for horse riders, cyclists, naturalists and walkers. It is suitable for wheel chairs and pushchairs along the flat sections. There are cycle-hire centres at either end of the trail, and both Mapleton Lane and Parsley Hay Hire Shops are attended from Easter to October. Excellent toilet, washroom and refreshment facilities are available at Hartington and Tissington, and excursion cycle-routes around the Hartington and Biggin villages.
The Manifold Trail is used well by those enjoying Peak District Walking and Cycling and is the route along the Manifold valley following the former Leek and Manifold Light Railway. This trail is an easy route being on a tarmacadam track and minor roads between Waterhouses and Hulme End and, as such, is suitable for children and old people. The High Peak and Tissington trails are much more exposed to the weather than the Manifold. The route has been open since the 1930s when the railway closed, and is probably the earliest case of a disused railway line being converted to a walkers' and cyclists' route.
The High Peak Trail is great for cycling and joins up with the Tissington Trail at Parsley Hay. The High Peak, however, is 17.5 miles long and follows the old Cromford and High Peak Railway, starting at Cromford and finishing at Dowlow, south of Buxton. Cyclists need not necessarily bring their own bikes as there is a hire service available between April and October. A returnable deposit is required and the bicycles for hire can be found at Parsley Hay car park
Cycle-Hire is available across the Peak District, with hire centres even located on the Tissington and High Peaks trail. The market towns of Buxton, Bakewell, Matlock and Ashbourne, and in a number of village centres throughout the Peak District also offer cycle hire, and cycling holidays are becoming an increasingly popular tourist attraction. With such facilities, and with the freedom of the Peak District National Park beckoning cyclist of all ages and abilities to indulge their passion for two-wheeled pedal-powered pleasure, little wonder that the Peak District of Derbyshire is regarded as the Mecca of cycling enthusiasts!
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