Scenic Cycling in the Peak District and Beyond

30/05/2026

This evening's ride is a firm favourite of mine, circumnavigating Chrome and Parkhouse hills. It is a variation of my Hollinsclough and Chrome Hill ride. Tonight we did it the opposite way round to usual. Lots of off-road, a long, sweeping descent and a sustained but enjoyable climb to get us back home.

Unfortunately, we were too late for another favourite of mine, the Chapel Tearooms at Hollinsclough.

More info in the comments.

23/05/2026

Tideswell and Wheston from Millers Dale. This short, 11km route is a challenge with 2 short but steep climbs, one on a rocky track. The climbs are worth it for the descent from Monksdale House back to Millers Dale.

If you want to extend the loop (32km) you can start at Harpur Hill on the edge of Buxton. This adds another short, steep climb but then a long descent (rocky at times) to the end of the Monsal Trail at Blackwell Mill. This connects Buxton to the trail whilst avoiding the A6. On the way back to Harpur Hill there is another short climb on a rocky track to King Sterndale. This return to Harpur Hill rides a short section of the A6.

Pictures include parts of the longer route.

Note that they now charge to use the toilets at Millers Dale!!

No cafe stop today but Beech Croft Farm & Camp Site (Blackwell) has a cafe that I keep meaning to try out.

https://out.ac/IhMPXt

16/05/2026

A lovely 30km circular route joining the Tissington and High Peak Trails. There is very little tarmac on this route and it has a lovely mix of the trails, gentle tracks and very quiet lanes.

Refreshments are available at the start/end at Parsley Hay and at Hartington Signal Box during the peak season.

It was a bit grey today. For a GPX file of the route and some pictures in the sunshine, follow the link: https://out.ac/IcjAua

https://spiral-books.com/product/scenic-cycling-in-the-peak-district/

13/05/2026

A lovely 28km route from Elterwater, Langdale or Hawkshead (Lake District). The views are fantastic! The surfaces are mostly good but there are a couple of steep, short climbs and descents; some on rockier terrain. We made a day of it. There are options to shorten the route.

https://out.ac/IhGksn for more details and GPX route.

03/05/2026

Yesterday we tried a shorter and easier version of one of my favourite rides - Birch Vale from Buxton, and back. The new return is around Chinley Churn and takes in the Peak Tramway and the recently designated permissive bridleway at Woo Dale. This shorter version still enjoys the lovely canal-side riding and the Sett Valley Trail whilst removing the epic climb and rough tracks around South Head.

The lunch stop was at Emma's Sett Valley Cafe

To make this route less of a challenge, start from Whaley Bridge and omit the Buxton part. I.e., return to Whaley from Chapel-en-le-Frith.

https://www.outdooractive.com/en/route/bike-riding/central-england-and-the-midlands/birch-vale-from-whaley-bridge-and-back/340317207/?share=%7E34xkxcqv%244ossxis9

01/05/2026

The link to my Chelmorton and Priestcliffe ride, including the GPX file

One of my favourite evening rides, enjoying the Monsal Trail whilst it is quiet. A mix of lanes and some short, ...

29/04/2026

A lovely evening for a cycle ride. Chelmorton, Priestcliffe and the Monsal Trail from Buxton.

29/04/2026

Peak Tri Store, Tideswell. This Saturday (May 2nd).

www.peaktristore.co.uk

25/04/2026

My favourite ride in the spring / summer. Hulme End, Wetton and Heathcote.

Today's tearoom stop was at Wetton in the village hall.

https://out.ac/IOJPeG - GPX route