Peak District Cycling Weekend

Our Star Ratings

Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind, rain and  general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we  have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.

Easy: ​ Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active  experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes. ​ Approx 20 – ­40  miles a day

Relaxed: ​ Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi­-regular novices who wish  to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs. ​ Approx 40 – ­50 miles a day

Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are  comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained  climbs. Not for those completely new to cycling. ​ Approx 50 – 80 miles a day

Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long  distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in  riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents. ​ Approx 70 – ­110 miles a  day

Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes  are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High  altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents. ​ Approx 80 – 120  miles a day

Itinerary

 Day 1: Meet at Buxton hotel

The trip begins in our hotel in Buxton. If you’re driving then we’ll meet you at the hotel. If you prefer to arrive by public transport we can meet you at the train station to transfer you, your bikes and luggage to the hotel. At the hotel you will be met by the More Adventure team for a trip briefing and evening meal in preparation for tomorrow’s ride.

Day 2: Winnats Pass, Chatsworth & Bakewell

(87km & 1500m⇧ / 54 miles & 4700 feet⇧)

After breakfast in our hotel, we’ll begin our first ride of the trip. It begins by heading northeast out of Buxton then onto open farmland as we enter Derbyshire Dales National Nature Reserve. After a stunning descent we reach Castleton village at the western end of the Hope Valley. This pretty village is situated between the gritstone plateau of the Dark Peak and Kinder Scout to the north, and the gentler limestone of the White Peak to the south. It also marks the starting point of one of the most famous climbs in the Peak District, Winnats Pass. This limestone valley is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and home to countless fossils of sea creatures. The road carves its way up through the steep sided valley past the popular Speedwell Cavern museum, with the steepest sections near the top. After a breather and plenty of photos, we continue up to the col beneath Mam Tor, a 517 metre hill adorned with Bronze Age and Iron Age hill forts.
From here a dazzling descent leads to the Hope Valley floor as we follow the River Noe under the shadow of the gritstone edges of Kinder Scout. Once we reach Hathersage, we continue south following the river Derwent into the grounds of Chatsworth House. Aside from the striking architecture, this outstanding stately home also contains an exquisite art collection and is home to some world class gardens. It has featured heavily in period dramas and films, including Pride & Prejudice and Peaky Blinders. From Chatsworth our route heads west through the charming town of Bakewell, home to the infamous Bakewell Tart, it would be rude not to sample it! Just beyond here we reach Ashford in the Water from which a challenging climb leads to open farmland lined with traditional stone walls. It’s then a few undulating last few miles back west back to Buxton and to our hotel.

Day 3: Goyt Valley, Cat & Fiddle, Arbor Low loop

(78km & 1700m⇧ / 48 miles & 5600 feet⇧)

After a good night’s rest we begin our second day cycling, a slightly shorter route but with more ascent than the previous day. We begin by climbing up and due northwest from Buxton then turning off for a great descent into Errwood Reservoir in the Goyt Valley. From here a sharp yet short climb leads up into open farm and moorland with views of the gritstone edges at Windgather Rocks. We’ll cross over the Macclesfield canal just west of the town then continue east beneath the prominent peak of Tegg’s Nose, once the site of millstone grit quarries. Both Tegg’s Nose and Macclesfield Forest are now carefully managed country parks with a rich diversity of wildlife and are extremely popular with hikers, mountain bikers, horse riders and runners. Our route passes alongside three reservoirs from which our main climb of the day begins. We ride through the dense woodland of Macclesfield Forest then after the brief respite of a short descent, join the road up to the infamous Cat & Fiddle. The Cat & Fiddle Inn was built in 1813, is the second-highest public house in England and lies on the Cheshire-Derbyshire border. From the inn we descend through open moorland to Earl Sterndale then onto Parsley Hay. Nearby lies the ancient stone circles of Arbor Low, a well-preserved Neolithic henge built from fifty large limestone blocks.
Our route continues north to Monyash which lies at the mouth of Lathkill Dale, a pretty limestone valley popular with hikers. From Taddington we descend into Miller’s Dale and to the River Wye from which our final main climb of the day begins. At the summit of Worm Hill it’s a short descent then into Buxton. Here the trip comes to an end and we say our farewells. If you’re travelling by train, we’ll transport your bikes and luggage to the train station for your onward journey.

Please note

We can run this trip with as few as two participants and the trip can be arranged up to a week in advance. If the dates below don’t fit, please get in touch to see if we can arrange for the trip on dates that suit you!

The trip begins in the evening of Day 1 but if you’d prefer to join us in the morning of Day 2 in time for the first ride, then no problem, just let us know.

Due to current Covid-19 restrictions, if you are booking alone please ensure you select the single room supplement upon checkout (£100).

Map

Includes

• Cycle guide(s)
• Support vehicle (for larger groups)
• 2 x night’s spa hotel accommodation (twin sharing)
• 2 x breakfasts
• Bicycle and luggage transfer from/to Buxton station (if required)
• GPX files of the route

Not Included

• Bicycle and helmet
• Transport to and from start and finish points
• Travel/bicycle Insurance

FAQs

Can I join you on the morning of the first ride instead of the night before?

Sure no problem, just let us know when you book.

Is it possible to extend this trip?

Absolutely! There are numerous options to extend this trip, with further excellent cycling that we can advise on.

How do I get to the start of the trip?

If you're driving, Buxton is very central and is very accessible to most parts of the UK.

Can I arrive early to explore?

Yes! There's plenty to see and do in the area, including countless hiking opportunities, several stunning stately homes and plenty more!