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Pedalling through peaceful dales, riding alongside dramatic reservoirs and climbing switchbacks to fantastic viewpoints, cycling in the Peak District is always an exceptional experience. This diverse national park in the North of England is famed for its vast heathland plateaus but it holds so much more within its borders, particularly for cyclists.
Around 580 square miles (1,500 km2), you’re absolutely spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing cycle routes in the Peak District. As its name might suggest, the majority of rides are undulating to say the least: you’re either going up or down to some extent. For families and those that are after gentler adventures though, there’s a lovely range of flatter routes along valleys and dales.
From some of Britain’s most epic road climbs to traffic-free trails ideal for beginners, the Peak District is a picturesque playground for cyclists.
Expert | 02:38 19.6 mi | |
Expert | 04:38 35.6 mi | |
Expert | 02:27 21.2 mi | |
Expert | 02:01 17.3 mi | |
Expert | 02:32 20.1 mi | |
Intermediate | 01:52 16.4 mi | |
Expert | 02:16 19.7 mi | |
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Expert | 03:18 26.6 mi | |
Expert | 04:00 36.2 mi | |
Expert | 03:21 31.1 mi | |
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Expert | 02:51 18.3 mi | |
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Expert | 03:02 26.7 mi | |
Expert | 05:32 45.6 mi | |
Intermediate | 01:21 10.8 mi | |
Expert | 02:00 13.0 mi | |
Expert | 04:45 41.7 mi | |
Expert | 02:41 18.5 mi |
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Challenging rides and spectacular switchbacks
Bike rides in the Peak District are renowned for being some of the most beautiful in the country thanks to flowing descents and high drama viewpoints. The climbs are tough and see professionals training regularly but the roads are often open with plenty of places to stop, catch your breath and enjoy the magnificent terrain unfolding before you.
In the north of the national park, you’ll find deep valleys and high moorland plateaus – the quintessential bleak beauty of this region. To the south, you can cycle through the Peak District’s rolling green dales and hills where the ascents are easier going but the scenery just as beautiful. Fancy taking on the most famous road climbs in the Peaks? Winnats Pass, Monsal Head and Holme Moss are for you.
Gentle trails and family-friendly routes
Some of the best cycle routes in the Peak District don’t require any thigh burn or muttering under your breath. In fact, there’s a good range of much flatter and family-friendly routes than you might imagine. Thanks to the park’s industrial history, there are numerous disused railway lines which have been transformed into flattish, traffic-free cycling routes, ideal for everyone from young children to those collecting their pensions.
You can find these routes in Monsal Dale, alongside the River Hamps from the town of Waterhouses, the former Ashbourne railway line and along the Cromford to Buxton railway line. You can use sections of these railways, ride loops or pedal out-and-backs, all without doing much ascent at all.
Best time of year for riding in the Peaks
With the right clothes and tires, cycling in the Peak District is fantastic fun no matter what time of year. In the winter however, snow and ice are risks and the national park sees particularly low temperatures and bitter winds. In the summer, the dales are vibrant, filled with birdsong and you can enjoy the long daylight hours. The school holidays are busy so booking accommodation ahead is vital but the rest of the warmer months are more laid back. Throughout the year you’ll see plenty of other cyclists lapping up the incredible scenery.
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Explore more of Derbyshire: Browse the best Cycling Routes in other regions.