Stately homes and standing stones cycle route

Start from Hassop or Bakewell former stations on the Monsal Trail. Passing through the busy market town of Bakewell famous for its pudding and medieval bridge over the River Wye, head up towards the village of Sheldon. You pass the remains of Magpie Mine before continuing on to Monyash, an attractive village with limestone cottages and farmhouses centred on the village pond.

Carry on towards Youlgrave and via the hamlet of Alport before climbing up to Stanton in the Peak, an attractive gritstone village from where you can make a short diversion to see Nine Ladies Stone Circle on Stanton Moor. Before you drop down to Rowsley look out over the Wye Valley to Haddon Hall, a lovely medieval manor house and the location of many films.

Follow the signs to Chatsworth, enjoying views of the Duke of Devonshire’s home as you cycle through rolling parkland. Take time if you can to visit the house and gardens, one of England’s finest stately homes. Turn left before the river as you come into Baslow to follow a quiet lane to Hassop and left again before Great Longstone to rejoin the Monsal Trail.