The best gravel rides around Bonsall

There are over 60 gravel bike routes available around Bonsall on komoot, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. This includes 3 easy, 20 moderate, and 38 difficult routes.

Yes, Bonsall offers several easier gravel bike trails. While many routes feature significant elevation, there are 3 routes specifically rated as easy. For example, the Middleton Top Engine House – High Peak Trail loop from Wirksworth CP is a moderate 17.1-mile route that follows a historic railway line, providing a relatively smoother surface.

For longer rides, you can explore routes like the Tibshelf & North Wingfield loop from Matlock, which is 32.1 miles (51.7 km) with significant elevation. Another challenging option is the Carsington Water – Tissington Trail loop from Wirksworth CP, covering 36.5 miles (58.7 km) and combining sections of the Tissington Trail with views of Carsington Water.

Gravel biking in Bonsall is characterized by a mix of rolling hills, limestone valleys, and historic railway trails. You can expect to navigate through open countryside, alongside rivers, and through sections of woodland. Many routes utilize former railway lines, which provide firm surfaces suitable for gravel bikes, alongside more challenging ascents and varied terrain.

Many of the gravel bike routes in the Bonsall area are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish at the same point. Examples include the Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge – Monsal Trail Gravel Path loop from Matlock and the Monsal Trail Gravel Path – Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge loop from Matlock, which offer circular experiences on well-known trails.

The Bonsall area is rich in natural beauty and historical sites. Along your rides, you might encounter highlights such as the dramatic Matlock Bath gorge, the serene Lathkill Head Cave, or the picturesque Bradford Dale. Historic railway features like the Middleton Top Engine House are also prominent.

The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Bonsall, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be excellent, though trails may be busier. While winter riding is possible, be prepared for potentially muddy sections, especially on unpaved trails, and colder, wetter weather typical of the Peak District.

While specific pub stops are not always detailed in route descriptions, many villages and towns along the trails in the Peak District, including those near Bonsall, have traditional pubs. Planning your route to pass through places like Matlock, Wirksworth, or other smaller hamlets will likely provide opportunities for refreshments and pub stops.

Many public bridleways and trails in the Peak District are dog-friendly, provided dogs are kept under control, especially around livestock. However, specific rules can vary by trail section or private land. It's always best to check local signage and ensure your dog is well-behaved and on a lead when necessary to respect wildlife and other trail users.

Bonsall and nearby towns like Matlock and Wirksworth have public transport links, primarily bus services. Some trailheads, particularly those on converted railway lines like the High Peak Trail or Monsal Trail, may be accessible via public transport connections to these towns. However, direct access to all trailheads might require some additional cycling or a short taxi ride.

The gravel biking routes around Bonsall are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 70 reviews. Riders often praise the varied terrain, the scenic beauty of the Derbyshire Dales, and the unique experience of cycling along historic railway lines. Over 800 gravel bikers have already explored the area using komoot.

For advanced riders seeking a challenge, Bonsall offers 38 routes rated as difficult. These routes typically feature significant elevation gains and varied surfaces. The Tibshelf & North Wingfield loop from Matlock, with its 845m of ascent over 32 miles, is a good example of a demanding ride in the area.