Cycling in the Peak District

Cycle in the Peak District and explore one of England's most varied and rewarding cycling landscapes, from the gentle canal towpaths and rolling farmland around Chesterfield to the dramatic gritstone moorland of the Dark Peak and the limestone dales and old railway trails of the White Peak. Easily accessible from both Sheffield and Manchester, the Peak District National Park offers an outstanding range of cycling for riders of all abilities. Suitable for cyclists of all abilities, this comprehensive Cicerone guidebook describes 20 graded day rides and a challenging 5-day Tour de Peak District of 250km (155 miles). Day routes range from 13 to 58km (8–36 miles), are ideal for gravel or hybrid bikes, and can be adapted for road bikes, with starting points in charming Derbyshire towns including Ashbourne, Matlock, Bakewell, and Buxton. Choose from 20 graded day rides in and around the Peak District National Park, with circular routes centred on Ashbourne, Matlock, Bakewell, Buxton, and more, taking in Derwent Reservoir, Tissington, the Roaches, Mam Tor, and the canals and bridleways of Chesterfield. Tackle the 5-day Tour de Peak District, a challenging 250km (155-mile) circumnavigation of the National Park starting and finishing in Matlock, taking in the Dark Peak moorland, the Cheshire fringe, and the limestone dales of the White Peak. Select routes suited to your ability using clear grading across easy, moderate, and hard categories, taking account of distance, hills, terrain, and road confidence required, with road alternatives provided for all off-road sections on moderate and harder routes. Navigate with confidence using 1:100,000 mapping and elevation profiles included for every route, alongside GPX files available to download for the full route and day rides. Plan your Peak District cycling with practical advice on bike setup and choice, cycling technique, what to wear and take, accommodation on the Tour de Peak District, and food and drink in the charming market towns and villages of the National Park. Deepen your experience of the region with introductory sections on the geology, wildlife, plants and flowers, history, and cultural highlights of the Peak District, one of Britain's most visited and best-loved National Parks. Explore the lanes, tracks, and moorland of the Peak District with confidence using this trusted Cicerone guidebook. From a gentle loop around Carsington Reservoir to the full Tour de Peak District challenge, this is the essential companion for cycling in one of England's most accessible and rewarding National Parks.