Cycle Peak District

Cycle Peak District

Cycle Peak District! Holidays in the Peak District have never been so popular. Cycling holidays in the Peaks are huge. So, what are our favourite things to do if you love cycling and why should you book a Peak District cottage for your next break?

It’s definitely about the amazing Derbyshire landscape. The Peak District is made up of impressive gritstone edges known as the Dark Peak with its wilderness and rugged moor; steep limestone dales which is the White Peak and rolling hills and farmland in the South West Peak.

We may be biased but we know that our visitors will agree – it’s one of the most scenic places in the UK. There’s lots to do from exploring our amazing countryside to enjoying the culture and history of our market towns and pretty villages.

Get on your bike

If you’ve visited us already, you’ll know Steve is mad on bikes. His collection is vast and he frequently cycles to the cottages from our home in Ashbourne.

The Peak District is a cyclist’s dream. From those dreaming of a place on Team GB (Steve) to recreational cycling, there’s something for everyone – including the use of our free electric bikes which you can borrow during your Wheeldon Trees cottage holiday.

Here’s our round up of things to do for bike-loving friends and family.

Tissington and High Peak Trails

Former railway lines the Tissington and High Peak Trails have been converted to provide amazing routes for walkers, cyclists and horse-riders. The High Peak Trail runs for 17 miles from near Buxton to High Peak Junction, Cromford and the Tissington Trail runs 13 miles from Parsley Hay to Ashbourne. You can jump on our electric bikes and enjoy a coffee at the Parsley Hay café before venturing to Ashbourne. Visit their website for more information.

The Monsal Trail

The Monsal Trail is a traffic free route for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users through some of the Peak District’s most spectacular limestone dales. The trail runs along the former Midland Railway line for 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale and Coombs Road, at Bakewell.

You can experience the full length of the former railway route at your own pace and see breath-taking views at places like Water-cum-Jolly Dale that have remained hidden since the railway closed in 1968.

Hassop Station is the best place to hire bikes and the bonus is there’s a wonderful cafe with a small children’s play area.

Parsley Hay

Parsley Hay sits on the High Peak Trail and Tissington Trails and is an ideal centre for exploring the White Peak and South West Peak on traffic-free routes. The cycle hire centre includes a refreshment kiosk, toilets (including disabled facilities), bike racks, picnic tables and seating areas.  The friendly and knowledgeable bike hire staff are on hand to offer help and advice and can repair small mechanical problems or fully service your bike. The visitor centre provides maps and guides on the area.

Parsley Hay is open every day until the end of October 2022. There’s no booking – just turn up. They work on a first come first served basis, it’s very rare they run out of bikes as they have a large fleet of bikes which are being returned throughout the day. More information.

Middleton Top Cycle Hire

You can take in the stunning Derbyshire Dales countryside by following the line of the former Cromford and High Peak railway from the Cycle Hire Centre at Middleton Top.

They have bicycles for all ages and child seats, trailers and taggers (to add to adult cycles), through child’s cycles to full size adult cycles. They also have hybrid bikes, ideal for the trail, comfort bikes and electric bikes, that help by giving you extra pedal power. Helmet hire is free with the hire of any bicycle.

Middleton Top cycle hire is open from Easter to September daily from 9.30am to 5pm. More information.

Manifold Trail

The Manifold Trail is a shorter trail but it’s still well worth a visit. There is a walking and cycling route along the former Leek & Manifold Light Railway. Look out for the impressive Thor’s Cave and interesting rock formations along the way. The Manifold Tract at Hulme End is based in a listed former station building. The usual wide range of cycles is always available, including e-bikes and options for families and youngsters. Prices start at just £14 for a four hour hire for an adult’s bike. More information.

Carsington Water

Enjoy the area’s picturesque trails on Carsington Water’s top brand mountain bikes. You can enjoy the short, family friendly, three-mile route or the full eight-mile reservoir circuit now all off road. Alternatively, you can increase your route a little further and take in Hopton and Carsington Village.

Carsington’s cycle hire consists of mountains bikes from Merida and Dawes, all with front suspension. They also offer comfort bikes for those who require a more upright seating position and electric bikes for those requiring a little assistance. Access bikes are also available. More information.

Glory Days

Looking for something a little bit different? Glory Days is run for cyclists, by cyclists. Offering the very best pre-1987 steel road bikes, their bicycles reflect the passion and craftsmanship of the traditional frame builders of the 1970s and 80s. All their beautiful retro road bikes are available to hire and include pedals of your choice. In fact, you can even hire accessories at no extra cost, including handlebar bag, saddlebag or panniers and cycle route maps. And if you wish, their friendly guides are available seven days a week to lead you on your cycling adventure of the Peak District. The team provides free delivery to and from your location, within a 10-mile radius of Bakewell, Derbyshire. www.glorydays.cc.

So, have we inspired you? What could be better than mixing beautiful Peak District cottages with a cycling holiday? The perfect combination.

To view our cottage availability click here.