4.6
(216)
1,471
riders
69
rides
Mountain biking around Matlock Bath CP CP offers diverse terrain within a dramatic limestone valley carved by the River Derwent. The area features challenging climbs and descents, alongside extensive trail networks through dense woodlands and open uplands. Riders can explore natural, rooty, and rocky sections, as well as flowy trails with various technical features. This region, on the edge of the Peak District National Park, provides a compelling mix of landscapes for mountain biking.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
5.0
(1)
18
riders
16.9km
01:17
50m
50m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
17
riders
28.0km
01:59
180m
180m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

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5.0
(2)
17
riders
13.6km
01:21
290m
290m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(3)
7
riders
20.4km
01:43
360m
360m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
25.8km
02:00
250m
250m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Historic 15th-century stone arch bridge spanning the River Derwent. It serves as the focal point of the surrounding Matlock Bridge conservation area, which grew rapidly during the late-19th-century spa and hydrotherapy boom enabled by the local railway. Widened and restored in 1904 to accommodate early-20th-century transport and traffic.
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Great railway trail.
1
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Tough hill to climb at constant incline but worth it when get to top, view are amazing
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Great spot especially when the engine is running.
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The engine house is but a shell these days but a waypoint nonetheless. Great views over the valley make this a get place for a break. Some seating.
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Went for a Bakewell tart but also tried the Bakewell pudding, it was amazing. It's a great shop.
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The Matlock Bath area, often called "Little Switzerland," offers a diverse range of terrain. You'll encounter challenging climbs and descents, natural, rooty, and rocky sections, as well as flowy trails with various technical features. The dramatic limestone valley carved by the River Derwent provides a stunning backdrop, with areas like Shining Cliff Woods known for their technical sections and Black Rocks for steep climbs and descents.
Yes, there are trails suitable for beginners. Out of the 78 mountain bike tours available, 13 are rated as easy. For example, the Coombes Road Gravel Track – Love Lock Bridge, Bakewell loop from Matlock is an easy 17.3-mile path featuring a gravel track. Another easy option is the High Peak Junction – Middleton Top Engine House loop from Cromford, which is 8.4 miles long.
For experienced riders seeking a challenge, the area offers 4 difficult trails and 61 moderate ones. While specific difficult routes aren't detailed, areas like Shining Cliff Woods and Black Rocks are known for their technical, rooty, rocky, and steep sections, including flowy trails with roller doubles, jumps, drops, and step-downs. These areas provide a significant test of skill.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes around Matlock Bath are circular, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For instance, the Middleton Top Engine House – Hopton Incline loop from Cromford is a 12.7-mile circular trail, and the Manners Wood Bridleway loop from Matlock is a 15.8-mile easy loop.
Absolutely. The region is rich in natural beauty. You can expect panoramic views from areas like Stanton Moor, which overlooks Bakewell and Matlock. High Tor offers spectacular views along its narrow path. The routes often traverse the stunning Derwent Valley. While not directly on a mountain bike trail, the Ogston Reservoir is a notable viewpoint in the wider area.
Yes, the area features several waterfalls. You can find the Lumsdale Valley Mill Ruins and Waterfall and Lumsdale Falls, which are beautiful natural attractions. While not directly on a mountain bike trail, they are nearby points of interest worth exploring.
The mountain bike trails around Matlock Bath are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 200 reviews. More than 1600 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the dramatic limestone valleys, dense woodlands, and the mix of technical and flowy trails available.
For families or those seeking a less challenging ride, the Cromford Canal offers a scenic and relatively flat route that can be incorporated into longer rides or enjoyed on its own. While not a mountain bike trail, it provides a gentle cycling experience through a picturesque area.
There are 78 mountain bike trails documented around Matlock Bath, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. These include 13 easy, 61 moderate, and 4 difficult routes.
The area is rich in history. The Middleton Top Engine House – Hopton Incline loop from Cromford leads through historical industrial landscapes. Stanton Moor features the Bronze Age Nine Ladies Stone Circle. You can also explore the Cromford Mills and Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which offers a scenic path for cycling or walking.
Matlock Bath is well-connected, and many routes start from towns like Matlock and Cromford, which are accessible by public transport. This makes it feasible to reach trailheads without a car, allowing you to explore the region's mountain biking opportunities.
Yes, the region has several beautiful bodies of water. Carsington Water is a prominent lake nearby, popular for various activities. You can also find Ogston Reservoir, which offers scenic views, and smaller ponds like Whitworth Park Pond.


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