The best cycling routes in Derbyshire

Cycle the Monsal Trail, a moderate 16.4 miles (26.4 km) route that winds through the stunning Peak District National Park. You will gain 1278 feet (389 metres) over an estimated 1 hour and 51 minutes, following a disused railway line. As you pedal, you will pass through a series of six old railway tunnels, four of which are lit, and cross the impressive Headstone Viaduct, offering memorable views of Monsal Dale and the River Wye below.

Planning your visit is straightforward, as the Monsal Trail is known for its accessibility. You can find parking and cycle hire facilities at various points along the route, including Hassop Station and Blackwell Mill. While the tunnels are lit during daylight hours, carrying a bike light is a good idea for added visibility and comfort. This traffic-free path is suitable for families and offers a pleasant outing for touring cyclists.

This route stands out as a unique way to experience the Peak District's limestone dales, transforming a piece of railway history into an active outdoor adventure. The trail's flat, well-maintained surface makes it an inviting option for many abilities, allowing you to focus on the changing landscapes. It provides a distinct perspective on the region's natural beauty and engineering heritage, making it a popular choice for a leisurely ride.

Embark on a moderate touring bicycle loop around the Ladybower, Derwent, and Howden Reservoirs, covering 16.8 miles (27.0 km) with an elevation gain of 1186 feet (361 metres). This route typically takes around 2 hours to complete, winding through a landscape of majestic waters, rolling hills, and dense woodlands. You will experience a mix of mostly off-road trails and minor roads, with extensive paved surfaces and compacted gravel paths. The eastern edge of Ladybower Reservoir features a gravel track, offering a varied terrain as you cycle through the dramatic Upper Derwent Valley.

For your visit, the Fairholmes Visitor Centre is a common starting point, providing parking, refreshments, and bicycle hire facilities. The terrain is suitable for touring, hybrid, gravel, and mountain bikes, though some unpaved or rougher sections exist. Be aware that during winter, parts of the route might have puddle-filled potholes, and icy conditions can make certain sections challenging. While generally well-maintained, some gravel paths can be roughened by forestry work, so plan your ride accordingly.

This route offers a rich blend of natural beauty and history. You will pass the impressive, over 100-year-old gothic towers of the Howden and Derwent Dams, famous as a practice site for the

Embark on a moderate touring bicycle ride along the Tissington Trail, covering 27.3 miles (43.9 km) with an elevation gain of 1231 feet (375 metres). This journey through the Derbyshire Dales offers a relaxed pace, taking about 3 hours to complete. You will cycle through rolling hills and lush fields, enjoying panoramic views of the Peak District National Park. The route passes by the charming village of Tissington, where you can spot the historic Tissington Hall. Expect serene woodlands and glimpses of traditional limestone walls as you pedal.

The Tissington Trail is generally flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for most touring bicycles. While the surface is mostly smooth, some sections might be coarser, so consider wider tires for a more comfortable ride. You can easily access the route from starting points such as Ashbourne and Parsley Hay. Bike hire facilities are available at these locations if you need to rent equipment. Plan your visit during daylight hours to fully appreciate the scenery.

This trail follows a former railway line, which explains its gentle gradient and easy navigation. As you ride, you will be treated to views towards the dramatic Dovedale ravine. Keep an eye out for diverse wildlife, including birds, deer, and rabbits, especially vibrant during spring and summer. The trail offers a peaceful way to experience the natural beauty and heritage of the Peak District.

Embark on a diverse touring bicycle loop through the Peak District National Park, starting from Tissington. This moderate 27.6 miles (44.4 km) route, typically completed in 3 hours and 21 minutes, features a total elevation gain of 1264 feet (385 metres). You will cycle along the Tissington Trail, known for its smooth, compacted gravel surface and views of rolling hills and lush fields. The route then connects to the High Peak Trail, offering expansive panoramic views across dramatic limestone countryside and open moorland. Finally, the Carsington Water section provides lovely views across the reservoir, surrounded by woodlands and wildflower meadows, though be prepared for undulating terrain and some rocky or muddy sections. The trail verges along the High Peak Trail are particularly vibrant with wildflowers in spring and summer.

This loop is rated moderate, demanding a reasonable level of fitness, especially for the challenging inclines on the High Peak Trail like Hopton and Sheep Pasture, where you might choose to dismount and push. The Carsington Water section also features several short, steep uphill and downhill sections, making a bike with gears essential. While the Tissington Trail is mostly flat and accessible, it does have a relatively steep incline at Mappleton. Cycle hire facilities are conveniently available at key points such as Parsley Hay, Middleton Top, and the Carsington Water Visitor Centre.

This route stands out for its use of historical railway paths, with both the High Peak and Tissington Trails being former railway lines converted into traffic-free recreational routes. The High Peak Trail, built between 1825 and 1830, was one of the world's first long-distance railways and features historical infrastructure like the Middleton Top Engine House. The Tissington Trail also preserves a restored signal box at Hartington. The majority of the route is traffic-free, offering a safe and enjoyable cycling environment away from roads, and both trails are integral parts of the UK's National Cycle Network.

Embark on the Carsington Water family loop, a scenic touring bicycle route that circles the reservoir, offering lovely views across the water, surrounding hills, and woodlands. This moderate 9.3-mile (14.9 km) trail, with 499 feet (152 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes about 1 hour and 13 minutes to complete. While much of the path is smooth, expect undulating terrain with short, steep uphill and downhill sections, especially on the eastern side, and varied surfaces including rocky patches and loose gravel.

For your visit, the Carsington Water Visitor Centre serves as a convenient hub, providing amenities like a cafe, restaurant, toilets, and bike hire. Due to the varied terrain, bikes with wider tires, such as mountain, gravel, or hybrid bikes, are recommended for better traction and comfort. Be aware that the trail can get busy, particularly on weekends and holidays, with both cyclists and walkers sharing the path.

This traffic-free, designated cycle path is notable as it encircles one of England's newest and ninth-largest reservoirs, a haven for nearly 300 species of birds and mammals. You can extend your adventure by connecting to other significant traffic-free routes like the High Peak Trail and Tissington Trail. Alternatively, take a diversion to the attractive hilltop village of Kirk Ireton, which features a community shop and the award-winning Barley Mow Inn.

Embark on the High Peak and Monsal Trails Loop, a challenging touring cycling adventure that spans 40.8 miles (65.7 km) and climbs 2573 feet (784 metres) over an estimated 5 hours and 23 minutes. You will experience a diverse landscape, from the wide-open panoramic views of the High Peak Trail, where you can spot industrial heritage like the Middleton Top Engine House, to the Monsal Trail's winding path through tranquil river valleys and picturesque limestone dales, featuring the impressive Headstone Viaduct.

When planning your ride, be aware that both trails feature mostly compacted gravel surfaces. The High Peak Trail can become muddy after heavy rain, so you might want to bring mudguards. Prepare for significant inclines, especially a challenging 1 in 8 climb out of High Peak Junction, where you may need to push your bike for a short section. The Monsal Trail's tunnels are lit during daylight hours, but always exercise caution on downhill gravel sections and when navigating narrow gates.

This route uniquely combines two historic railway lines, offering a journey through the Peak District's rich past and varied natural beauty. The contrast between the High Peak Trail's moorland vistas and the Monsal Trail's sheltered dales provides a dynamic cycling experience. It is a popular choice for experienced cyclists seeking a substantial day out, blending scenic beauty with a rewarding physical challenge.

This difficult touring cycling loop from Bamford takes you through the dramatic landscapes of the Peak District National Park. You'll cover 17.3 miles (27.9 km) with a significant 1745 feet (532 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 2 hours to complete. The route features demanding climbs and panoramic vistas across the Hope Valley, including stunning views of reservoirs like Ladybower. The highlight is Winnats Pass, a narrow, winding road carved through a steep limestone gorge, offering dramatic scenery with towering steep walls as you ascend. Expect diverse terrain, mostly paved, but with some unpaved segments that can be challenging. You will also encounter impressive sights like Mam Tor from the top of the moor.

Be prepared for a challenging experience on this loop, which is considered a hard bike ride requiring very good fitness. Winnats Pass itself is a legendary climb, 1.8 to 1.9 kilometers long with an average gradient of 11% and maximum gradients reaching 20% to 28.9%. It's so steep that stopping may make it impossible to restart, demanding continuous pedaling. Be aware that Winnats Pass can be busy with motor traffic, and the narrow road combined with steep inclines can feel crowded. You should also be prepared for potential strong winds, which can make the climb even tougher. It is advisable to check your bike beforehand, especially brakes and gears, and carry essentials like water, a map, and a repair kit.

This loop is notable for offering a quintessential Peak District cycling experience. Winnats Pass is a legendary and brutal climb, famous for its extreme gradients and its history as a hill climb event venue, having hosted the National Hill Climb Championship multiple times. The geological features of Winnats Pass, particularly the limestone gorge, provide a truly unique and dramatic backdrop for cycling. The route is a popular choice for local touring cyclists and those looking for a significant challenge.

Embark on the Ladybower loop from Hope, a challenging touring bicycle route that winds through the picturesque Hope and Edale Valleys. You will experience the rugged uplands and rolling farmland of the Peak District, with views stretching across the landscape. The 19.6-mile (31.5 km) journey involves a significant climb of 1649 feet (503 metres), making it a difficult ride that takes about 2 hours and 37 minutes to complete. Along the way, you will pass the iconic Ladybower Reservoir and the historic Derwent Dam East Tower, offering captivating views over the water. This route is considered an ultra-classic circuit for cycling in the Peak District, providing a demanding yet rewarding experience.

Before you set out, be aware that this route is rated difficult and demands very good fitness and advanced riding skills. You should prepare for significant elevation changes and technical sections throughout the ride. The terrain is a mix of paved roads, singletrack, gravel, and natural paths, including stony descents and technical climbs. Some parts may even require you to dismount and push your bicycle, so ensure your bike is suited for such varied conditions.

This circuit is renowned for its unique features, including the Ladybower Reservoir Overflow, often referred to as 'giant plug holes', which are a notable sight. The route offers a chance to explore the rich natural environment of the Peak District, showcasing its distinctive geology and ecosystems. It is a popular choice for cyclists seeking a substantial challenge and a deep immersion in the region's scenic beauty and engineering marvels.

This difficult touring bicycle loop from Edale covers 26.8 miles (43.1 km) with a significant 2298 feet (701 metres) of elevation gain, typically taking around 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete. You'll experience a diverse range of terrain, from the gentle gravel tracks along Ladybower Reservoir to the extremely challenging ascent of Winnats Pass. Winnats Pass itself is a dramatic sight, winding through a steep limestone gorge with rock faces on either side of the road. From its summit, you can enjoy panoramic vistas across the Hope Valley and spot Mam Tor. The route showcases the varied landscapes of the Peak District, including iconic reservoirs and dramatic gritstone edges.

Be prepared for a hard bike ride requiring very good fitness, especially for Winnats Pass, which features an average gradient of over 10% and maximums nearing 29%. If you stop on the steepest ramps, restarting can be nearly impossible. The road through Winnats Pass can be busy with motor traffic, and the steep inclines might cause cars to struggle. While the Ladybower section is flatter, expect puddle-filled potholes during winter. Some sections of country lanes and trails may also include unpaved or rougher surfaces with boulders.

This route is notable for incorporating Winnats Pass, considered one of the best climbs in the UK for cyclists seeking a significant challenge. You will also pass the Derwent Dam, a stunning neo-Gothic construction with historical significance as the training ground for the RAF's 617 Squadron, the "Dambusters," during World War II. During periods of low water levels, you might even glimpse the remains of a flooded village within Ladybower Reservoir.