to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
.png)
.png){kind=icon}
.png){kind=icon}
You are here: Things To Do > Activities > Cycling & Mountain Biking
Cycling & Mountain Biking in The Peak District
Whether it's a family-friendly cycle ride on a traffic-free trail, or some more challenging mountain biking on rugged terrain that you’re after, the Peak District and Derbyshire offers stunning cycle routes to suit all abilities.
The area is one of the most cycle-friendly places on the planet. For inspiration, check out our cycle guides for Ashbourne, Bakewell, Matlock and the Hope Valley, including routes and videos to help you plan your own two-wheeled adventure.
Leisure cyclists should make a bee-line forthe great traffic-free trails, lovingly restored on former railway lines, including the Monsal Trail, Tissington Trail, High Peak Trail and Manifold Track, Longdendale Trail and the Five Pits Trail. Perfect for all ages and abilities, these routes offer beautiful scenery and easy, relatively-level cycling.
Of all trails in the Peak District and Derbyshire, the Monsal Trail is one of the most famous. This beautiful route runs along a section of disused Midland Railway line that once connected Manchester with London. The trail runs for 8.5 miles through numerous well-lit tunnels and across the magnificent Monsal Viaduct, giving cyclists a wonderful view as they pedal by! Don't forget to pause to soak up the views at the famous Headstone Viaduct near Monsal Head.
If you haven't brought your own bike and are wondering where to hire bikes in the Peak District and Derbyshire, don't worry. There are also lots of great places to rent bikes including High Peak Trail and Middleton Top Visitor Centre, Derwent Cycle Hire in Bamford, Monsal Trail Cycle Hire at Hassop Station and Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire on the Monsal Trail, where you can also stop off for an energy-boosting slice of cake!
For mountain bikers, the riding terrain varies from tough, exposed moorland routes to green lanes and bridleways. For a real challenge, head north for a high-octane workout in Edale or the Hope Valley, tackle Jacob’s Ladder and get to grips with trails around Ashover and Stanage Edge. Less demanding routes can be found in the Goyt Valley near Buxton or on the Derwent Reservoirs circuit.
The Peak District and Derbyshire has a huge choice of food and drink places that welcome cyclists, from cosy cafes to picturesque pubs, so you can always be assured of somewhere to stop on your travels to rest and recharge!
To help plan your next cycling adventure take a look at the routes below:
Easy going cycle routes (suitable for families and those who like an easy going route)
Medium distance cycle routes (suitable for leisure cyclists and include some hills and challenges)
Mountain bike routes (for those who like a challenging route)
Cycle guides (routes around Ashbourne, Bakewell, Matlock and the Hope Valley)
Tags: Cycling in The Peak District, Mountain Biking in The Peak District
