Exploring Buxton on Two Wheels: An E-Bike Adventure
Buxton is easily accessible by train – just an hour from the centre of Manchester – and a short walk from the station you can pick up your e-bike from Peak Ascent Cycles
Nestled in the heart of the Peak District, Buxton is a charming town brimming with history, culture, and natural beauty. While wandering its streets on foot can be delightful, there's something truly special about experiencing it on two wheels. And what better way to do that than with the help of modern technology, courtesy of an electric bike?
Buxton is easily accessible by train – just an hour from the centre of Manchester – and a short walk from the station you can pick up your e-bike from Peak Ascent Cycles, where Patrick will take you through a short safety briefing before you can head into the town.
With its sleek design and silent motor, the bike makes cycling up hill much easier, which you’ll be grateful for as Buxton has plenty of inclines. Bikes can be hired for half days or full days.
It’s good to remember that pedal-assist e-bikes provide assistance to your own pedalling efforts, unlike electric scooters or motorcycles. You need to be relatively fit and a confident cyclist and much of the cycling in and around Buxton is road cycling, so you need to be aware of traffic and other road users.
Half Day tour
One of the first stops should be the iconic Buxton Crescent Hotel, a striking Georgian building that has recently re-opened as a beautiful Ensana spa hotel following an extensive restoration.
With its elegant architecture and rich history as a thermal spa, it provides the perfect backdrop for a quick photo op. Marvel at its grandeur and you can learn more about its history at the Buxton Crescent Experience.
Another masterpiece not to be missed is the exquisite Grade II listed Edwardian Buxton Opera House, home of the internationally-renowned Buxton Festival of 'opera, music and books' which takes place each summer, and a host of other theatre, music and comedy shows throughout the year.
Travel along St John’s Road towards The Park, after which you will pass Vera Brittain’s house - once the childhood home of the renowned writer and pacifist Vera Brittain, this charming Victorian house exudes an air of timeless elegance and literary significance.
Now head up Long Hill a long steep road which forms the main route into the Goyt Valley - carved by the meandering River Goyt, this picturesque valley provides the perfect backdrop for cycling, and wildlife spotting. On route you’ll pass Jenkin Chapel a quaint and historic landmark, dating back to the 17th century.
Cycle past the pretty Lamaload Reservoir towards Macclesfield Forest, a sharp right turn will then take you past The Cat & Fiddle. Named after the nearby Cat & Fiddle Road, the Cat & Fiddle Inn sits on one of the highest and most scenic routes in England.
This historic inn is now home to Forest Distillery, renowned for its artisanal approach to crafting small-batch, hand-distilled spirits, capturing the essence of the surrounding woodland in each meticulously crafted bottle. Distillery tours and tastings are available to book, or just drop into the shop and make a purchase!
The e-bike's electric assist allows you to tackle the hilly terrain, so you can immerse yourself in the stunning scenery. But be careful, the road back down into Buxton can get quite busy with traffic.
From the Cat & Fiddle, pedal your way towards Poole's Cavern, a natural limestone cave nestled within the lush greenery of Grin Low Country Park. Here you can enjoy a guided tour, marvel at the otherworldly formations and learn about the cave's fascinating geological history.
From Pooles Cavern it’s a short ride back to Peak Ascent and the centre of Buxton. This half day route is approximately 16 miles (or a leisurely full day) – full details can be found here.
Full Day tour
If you’re out for a full day of cycling you can explore more of Buxton's surrounding countryside.
Follow the half-day route above, except once you have passed Jenkin Chapel, cross over the A54 towards Derbyshire Bridge and drop down towards Chrome Hill, a distinctive limestone reef knoll with its dramatic, steep slopes and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Another great spot for a selfie and a rest.
Stop for some lunch at the Market Place in Longnor. There’s plenty of options but a favourite is The Old Cheshire Cheese, a charming pub with a cosy atmosphere and traditional pub fare.
From Longnor there is the option to pick up the Sustran Route 68 - which provides an almost traffic free route back to Buxton.
Alternativey after lunch, head for Crowdecote bank, cross the A515 onto Tagg Lane, into Monyash. Stop off at Tagg Lane Diary for one of the best icecreams in Derbyshire, a must-visit for icecream lovers of all ages seeking a taste of authentic local flavours.
Places to explore
Return to Buxton via Harpur Hill, calling at Poole’s Cavern on the way back if you have time. The full day route is approximately 33 miles, full details can be found here.
Alternatively you can just follow your nose and explore. Other great places to visit just a short bike ride from Buxton are:
Solomons Temple - Perched majestically atop Grinlow Hill in Buxton, Solomon's Temple is a captivating Victorian folly. Built in 1896, this iconic landmark offers visitors a unique vantage point to admire the stunning vistas that stretch out in every direction, providing panoramic views.
Higher Buxton - often referred to a ‘village within the town’ and home to the weekly Buxton Market on the Market Place. As the name suggests it is located uphill from the Crescent; the area retains a unique character and bohemian charm, with buzzy cafes and pubs, lively music venues and an alternative shopping fix.
Buxton Pavilion Gardens, with manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and stately Victorian architecture, visitors can meander through the gardens, or unwind on a bench beside the tranquil waters of the ornamental lake. The historic Pavilion itself, a striking centrepiece of the gardens, stands as a testament to Buxton's rich heritage and houses a charming café and retail arcade.
Take the road all the way into Whaley Bridge, a picturesque town nestled in the High Peak, perhaps most famous for the scenic Peak Forest Canal and the dramatic limestone gorge of Black Rocks. The town's focal point is the historic Whaley Bridge Transhipment Warehouse, a reminder of its industrial past.
For the brave, cycle all the way to the tranquil banks of the River Goyt at New Mills. Delve into the town's industrial past at landmarks like the Torrs Hydro, a Victorian-era hydroelectric power station, or the Torrs Millennium Walkway, which offers breathtaking views of the gorge below.
So, if you find yourself yearning for adventure and exploration, why not embark on an e-bike tour of Buxton and beyond. With its breathtaking scenery, rich history, and welcoming atmosphere, it will enchant and inspire at every turn. And who knows? You might just discover a newfound love for cycling along the way.
The Manchester to Buxton line is a popular Northern service offering fast access to the iconic spa town. A short walk from Buxton station is Peak Ascent Cycle hire.
Peak Ascent Cycles offer an e-bike hire service, which caters for parties of up to four on hybrid e-bikes. At just £55 per day per bike (£40 for half a day) it’s a fun and environmentally friendly way to explore.
To book your bike call on 01298 299011 or send an e-mail to patrick@peakascentcycles.co.uk
to book in advance.
Responsible Cycling
Ensure your visit is a responsible one by following the Countryside Code and stay #PeakDistrictProud by parking only in designated areas and taking your litter home with you. Always be safe and responsible when out on your bike.
Remember these basic points:
PLAN YOUR ROUTE
Know the terrain you’ll be cycling on and check for any hazardous spots on the way. Take the weather forecast into account and be prepared to make changes accordingly to your route if needed.
BE SEEN
Make sure your lights are in good working order and wear bright, reflective clothing.
BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS
On the road, be vigilant for other road users and keep in mind your correct positioning on the road. Signal as appropriate.
OBEY THE RULES
When on the road, follow the Highway Code. When in the countryside, follow the Countryside Code.
PROTECT YOURSELF
Wear a helmet. Studies consistently show that wearing a helmet reduces your risk of head and brain injury by up to 88%.
MAKE SURE YOUR BIKE IS IN GOOD REPAIR
Ensure your bike is roadworthy before you set off. Check your brakes, gears and tyres, and make sure you have spares or repair kits as appropriate.
STAY CONNECTED IN CASE OF EMERGENCY
If you’re riding on your own make sure someone else knows your route and likely arrival time at your destination. Make sure your phone is charged before you set off.
This project was made possible through funding from the Integrated Sustainable Transport Fund, administered by Community Rail Network on behalf of the Department for Transport.
With thanks to
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