The White Peak Loop

Frequently asked questions

Where can I find a White Peak Loop route map?

You can download the GPX file and there’s a link through to a more detailed map here: The White Peak Loop | Visit Peak District & Derbyshire 
You can also see the outline of the route on the Cycle Derbyshire map: Cycling - Derbyshire County Council and it’s on the Derbyshire Mapping Portal under the cycle networks tab as White Peak Loop interim.
You can also pick up a copy of the Cycle Derbyshire Map from selected businesses and all libraries across Derbyshire. This is a map showing all the trails in Derbyshire. It will help you plan your journey and connect the route to and from the surrounding areas. .

Is there a GPX route available to download at all?

You can download the GPX route and save it onto a GPS Unit from here The White Peak Loop | Visit Peak District & Derbyshire 
You can also view the route, plan a journey and download the route directly here Bike map | Cycle route planner | cycle.travel

Where can I access the route?

There are several car parks along the route which are shown on the Cycle Derbyshire map. However, why not ditch the car and travel by rail or bus? 

Can I get to the route by public transport?

The route is accessible by train from the local rail stations of Cromford, Matlock Bath, Matlock and Buxton. Trains tend to have between two and six dedicated bicycle spaces and booking in advance is the best way to secure a stress-free journey and avoid disappointment. If you are on foot, there are local bus services within easy reach of the route. The Traveline journey planner will help you find the best routes and connections for your journey by bus and train.

How long will it take to cycle the Loop?

That depends on how far you're used to riding in a day – if riding 42 hilly miles off-road in a day is no problem, you could complete the route in a day, but if you'd rather ride around 21 miles a day and have more time to stop off and look at all the interesting things along the way, then you'll want a leisurely two days staying overnight at a range of cycle-friendly accommodation. There are lots of interesting places on route, so to give yourself plenty of time to stop, explore and admire the views. View the White Peak Loop film for inspiration, find out about suggested multi-day itineraries and plan your adventure at visitpeakdistrict.com

How difficult is the White Peak Loop to cycle?

The route is currently 42-miles long with 2,000ft climb: 5 miles on-road, 37 miles off-road (I mile of which is ‘hike-a-bike'). The route follows a variety of surfaces including some sections of public open roads, aggregate tracks, bridleways and traffic-free trails. It’s a predominantly off-road route (88%) that runs through exposed areas of the Peak District National Park, so expect hills and changeable weather!
As the route progresses westwards through the Peak District it becomes more remote, and the settlements are fewer so Trail users should be sure to carry supplies and be prepared for all weather conditions. 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 the trail.

Is the White Peak Loop signposted?

The route is well signposted, follow the White Peak Loop / WPL blue signs. They do sometimes go missing, or can be hard to see, so we recommend taking a map with you or downloading a GPS file if you can. There have been significant recent improvements to the route, including installation of over 200 new signs to try and make it as user friendly as possibly.

When will the White Peak Loop be finished?

Work continues to make the trail accessible to more people and to make further local connections for both active travel and leisure. We are committed to improvements to extend and improve the route and its connections. The White Peak Loop today is now 42 miles but in five years’ time, with more effort and investment, it could be twice that, with connections all around the loop to other treks and trails – drawing visitors from across the nation (or even globe) and providing first class recreation on our doorsteps.

Are you connecting the White Peak Loop to Buxton anytime soon?

A 42-mile route is currently open which we are hoping to extend to over 50 miles through Buxton. We are currently working with partners on progressing routes into and through Buxton, giving people more choice about how they get to jobs and learning – and for leisure, whilst also reducing the impact of transport emissions on local air quality. In the next few years we hope to have progressed some of the missing links through and to Buxton.

Is the White Peak Loop intended as road, gravel or MTB ride? / What type of bike do I need?

The route uses traffic-free trails, public rights of way and some sections of public open roads. It is being designed so that it can be ridden on any kind of bike that’s in good mechanical order and the right size for the rider. Low gearing will make climbing the hills much less daunting. Good quality tyres between 28mm and 40mm in width are a sensible all-round choice for a comfortable multi-terrain ride.

Is the Whote Peak Loop route suitable for walkers?

Yes! Many people have walked all or part of the route, although it is not fully waymarked for walkers you can use a GPS or Ordnance Survey map to join up the loop from High Peak Junction (Cromford) to Matlock station and between the end of the Monsal Trail to and through Buxton.

Is the White Peak Loop route suitable for horse riders?

The completed Loop will aim to cater for all – walkers, cyclists, and horse riders where possible. Currently around 31 miles (74%) of the route is open to horse riders. Horse riders are welcome on the High Peak, Tissington and Monsal shared use trails.
The Pennine Bridleway National Trail which runs for 205 miles through the dramatic Pennine hills from Derbyshire to Cumbria opens up opportunities for the more adventurous. A start point for this, which is recommended for horse riders is at Hartington Station on the Tissington Trail. A horsebox park with turning area has been provided here, along with tethering and watering facilities.

Is the White Peak Loop route suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility scooters?

The Monsal Trail provides a firm, level surface from the car park at Bakewell Station south to Coombs Road viaduct and north to Blackwell Mill near Buxton (approximately 8.5 miles). Also suitable are sections of the High Peak and Tissington Trails. All terrain mobility scooters can be hired from High Peak Junction Visitor Centre, near Cromford, DE4 5AA, tel: 01629 533298 and Middleton Top Visitor Centre, near Wirksworth, DE4 4LS, tel: 01629 533298.