Cycling in the Peak District and Derbyshire

The Peak District and Derbyshire is one of the most cycle-friendly places on the planet, and the routes and guides below have been designed to help you plan your own two-wheeled adventure. Cycling is a great way to explore and experience the beautiful Peak District and Derbyshire countryside. Derbyshire has 430km of traffic-free trails that are family friendly and accessible for all, with inclusive cycling hubs offering a range of electric and adapted cycles to hire.

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From traffic-free trails that are suitable for the whole family, to rugged mountain bike routes offering an epic challenge, there are so many great places to go cycling in the Peak District and Derbyshire. 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 for the great traffic-free trails 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.

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 in the Peak District National Park 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)

Cycling in Derbyshire Guide

Tags: Cycling in The Peak District, Mountain Biking in The Peak District in Ashbourne, Bakewell, Matlock and the Hope Valley.

Cycling around Ashbourne

Ashbourne is a lovely old market town surrounded by rolling green countryside perfect for exploring by bike. With its cobbled market place, Georgian street scene and hidden alleyways the town is a delight to explore before setting off on two wheels. Visit our Cycling Around Ashbourne page, or scroll down to see the individual routes.

Cycling around Bakewell

An historic market town at the heart of the Peak District National Park, Bakewell sits in a lovely setting on the banks of the River Wye surrounded by spectacular countryside. With mellow stone buildings, gardens and little courtyards the town offers a great place to base yourself for a few days or longer break. Visit our Cycling Around Bakewell page, or scroll down to see the individual routes.

Cycling around Matlock

A lovely setting on the banks of the River Derwent and the presence of thermal springs brought the early tourists to Matlock and nearby Matlock Bath. Visit our Cycling Around Matlock page, or scroll down to see the individual routes.

Cycling around the Hope Valley

The Hope Valley is one of the most popular parts of the Peak District and a superb area to discover by bike. Journey through moorland landscapes, experience traditional Dark Peak villages and enjoy spectacular gritstone edges. Overlooked by Mam Tor and Lose Hill the area offers far reaching views and picturesque villages to explore. Visit our Cycling Around the Hope Vallley page, or scroll down to see the individual routes.

Following the routes

All of the routes use quiet roads, traffic-free trails and sections of the National Cycle Network and link cycle hire, places of interest and opportunities for refreshments - so you have everything you need to create the perfect cycling trip.