The White Peak Loop

Start in Matlock, Matlock is easily accessed by bus or rail and the are plenty of bike friendly places to stay. Matlock boasts pretty streets full of independent shops, and a host of cafés, pubs and restaurants in which to relax. From Matlock Rail station there is a cycleway down to the river where you join the trail alongside the Heritage railway line - signed White Peak Loop continue towards Darley Dale and Rowsley.

The trail takes you through the Haddon estate, with far reaching views of the surrounding countryside. Over 900 years old, Haddon Hall is one of the country’s most elegant, historically important, and timeless stately homes. Soon you reach the bottom of the Monsal Trail where there is a short push up to join the trail. Follow the trail and explore the delights of the only town within the boundaries of the Peak District National Park carry straight on along Coombs Road into the heart of Bakewell, a pretty market town perhaps best known for its unique and delicious Pudding, but it has many other tempting treats to offer. Rejoin the Monsal Trail and don’t forget your camera as you’ll want to take some pictures of the stunning views of the valley across the River Wye from Monsal Head Viaduct.

Continue to Millers Dale, a exceptionally beautiful section of the River Wye. Continue to the end of the trail at Blackwell Mill where you will connect to the Pennine Bridleway National Trail across to the A515 Ashbourne Road at Dowlow. Here you can join the High Peak Trail and head south towards Parsley Hay, here you’ll find the Peak National Park Cycle Centre. Keep left when the trail forks and follow the High Peak Trail. Enjoy delightful views of the surrounding countryside from Middleton Top. The site has a gift shop, cycle hire, toilets and picnic area. The Middleton Top Engine House is open to the public on certain weekends throughout the year. A short detour of the route near here is the historic market town of Wirksworth.

Continue along the trail to High Peak Junction and then join the narrow towpath that runs alongside the Cromford Canal. The nearby village of Cromford, is forever associated with Sir Richard Arkwright as the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution and forms part of the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. At Cromford Wharf cross over into Cromford Mills (link) which offers guided tours, a visitor centre with shops and a café. Rejoin the route through The Mills car park and along Church Walk to join the Derby Road (A6) for a short while passing Masson Mills, until you reach Matlock Bath. Matlock Bath has a long street lined with quirky shops, cafés, amusement arcades and fabulous fish & chips restaurants. Continue through Matlock Bath towards Matlock. Take the riverside path on the edge of Matlock, at Pic Tor and follow the riverside that runs through Hall Leys Park into Matlock town centre or take the cycle route across the bridge to Matlock Railway station.