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Discover Road Cycling Routes in the Peak District
July 25, 2024Archives
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Peak District cycling routes for all levels
Whether you’re new to road cycling or a seasoned pro looking for a new route, we’re here to reveal some of the most scenic and fun road cycling routes across the Peak District. The stunning landscapes across this national park have something to offer everyone!
So grab your helmet and clip in - here’s your guide to road cycling in the Peak District.
Entry level cycling routes
If you haven’t tried road cycling before, we recommend testing out your bike and finding your cycling legs with some mostly traffic-free routes to get started. Luckily, there are plenty of those in Derbyshire, with the Monsal Trail, High Peak Trail and Tissington Trail – to name just a few!
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Monsal Trail
Distance: 9.2 miles / 14.8 km (one way)
Elevation Gain: 1491 feet / 454 metres
Start/Finish: Bakewell to Blackwell Mill
The Monsal Trail is perfect for beginners, offering a mostly flat, traffic-free route. Starting from the charming town of Bakewell, famous for its delicious Bakewell pudding, this trail follows a disused railway line, providing spectacular views of the Peak District without the challenge of steep climbs. You'll pass through several impressive tunnels and over the iconic Monsal Viaduct, making this one of the most scenic routes.
Set off from the car park by the cattle market on Agricultural Way, but make sure to pop into Bakewell town centre on your way back to explore!

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Tissington Trail
Distance: 13.5 miles / 21.7 km (one way)
Elevation Gain: 1035 feet / 315 metres
Start/Finish: Ashbourne to Parsley Hay
Another excellent choice for building your confidence up to road cycling is the Tissington Trail. Also following a former railway line, this route starts in the historic market town of Ashbourne and winds its way north to Parsley Hay. The trail offers gentle gradients and stunning views of the Derbyshire countryside, making it a leisurely ride ideal for families and beginners. You can stop off at Tissington Village for refreshments and visit the On A Wick candle workshop and Tissington garden nursery
If you’re feeling fresh when you get to Parsley Hay, you can also turn right at the junction and head down the High Peak Trail towards Hoe Grange!

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Ladybower Loop
Distance: 9.6 miles / 15.4 km
Elevation Gain: 667 feet / 203 metres
Start/Finish: Bamford
A little further afield from Hoe Grange in the north of the Peak District, you can find Ladybower Reservoir – with stunning views over the valley. This short loop introduces some gentle road work along a short stretch, but it’s not too hilly and it makes use of the off-road trail around the reservoir itself.
Famous for its connection to the Dambusters in the Second World War, this route is not only beautiful but also steeped in history.

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High Peak Trail and Carsington Water Loop
Distance: 18 miles / 28.9 km
Elevation Gain: 1471 feet / 448 metres
Start/Finish: Hoe Grange Holidays*
Another reservoir circuit with great views over the water as you head down the hill, and plenty of wildlife to spot along the way. This circular route starting at Hoe Grange Holidays uses a few minor back roads around Carsington village, but the majority is on off-road trails, making it a great circuit for building up your confidence and stamina!
There is the New Leaf restaurant serving yummy food at the Visitors Centre by the reservoir, and a brilliant pub called the Miner’s Arms in Carsington village if you need refreshments along the way.
Explore the High Peak Trail and Carsington Water Loop

Beginner road cycling routes
Once you’ve found your cycling legs, it’s time to mix in some more road work and build up those distances!
Check out Think’s advice for cyclists first – it’s full of useful safety tips and reminders for beginners and pro cyclists alike.
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Cafes & Castles Loop
Distance: 25.9 miles / 41.7 km
Elevation Gain: 1443 feet / 440 metres
Start/Finish: Hoe Grange Holidays*
Start off by introducing more quiet country lanes into your road cycling with this moderate loop starting at Hoe Grange Holidays. It makes a great day out if you stop in Hartington for a picnic or a spot of lunch (don’t miss the fantastic cheese shop). There are plenty of local sights to spot along the way too – from Minninglow and Arbor Low, two Neolithic sites set high on the hills, to Pilsbury Castle, with the view north up Dovedale, to Long Dale, a stunning valley with dramatic views of the landscape.
Explore the Cafes & Castles Loop

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Matlock & Wirksworth Loop
Distance: 17.8 miles / 28.6 km
Elevation Gain: 2584 feet / 788 metres
Start/Finish: Matlock
This one is a shorter route again, but there are some serious hills and a bit more road work, so it’s a perfect step up from the Cafes & Castles Loop. Persevere up the hills and you’ll be rewarded with some incredible views – and there are plenty of lovely cafes in Wirksworth if you need a refuel stop!
Explore the Matlock & Wirksworth Loop

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Hope Valley Circular
Distance: 10 miles / 16 km
Elevation Gain: 1155 feet / 352 metres
Start/Finish: Hope
Another short but steep circular route, this one begins in the village of Hope and takes you through some of the most scenic parts of the Peak District. You'll cycle through Castleton, with its imposing Peveril Castle, and up the challenging but rewarding Winnats Pass. The descent back into Hope Valley offers stunning views, making this a memorable ride for intermediate cyclists.
Explore the Hope Valley Circular

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Two Trails Triangle
Distance: 20.5 miles / 33 km
Elevation Gain: 907 feet / 276 metres
Start/Finish: Hoe Grange Holidays*
Another longer route combining off-road trails with some road work. This one starts off on the High Peak Trail and Tissington Trail before heading through Tissington village (stop here for excellent cakes at the tea rooms!) and back to Hoe Grange via the B5056. This road can be quite busy, so make sure you’re confident in traffic before you give this one a go!
Explore the Two Trails Triangle

Intermediate road cycling routes
Now that you’re comfortable on the road and looking for more challenging rides, these intermediate routes will help you build your endurance and climbing ability. Expect longer distances and more elevation gain, combined with stunning Peak District scenery.
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Two Trails Full Loop
Distance: 29.7 miles / 47.8 km
Elevation Gain: 1847 feet / 563 metres
Start/Finish: Hoe Grange Holidays*
Ready to step up with some more serious road work? Look no further than the Two Trails Loop, starting at Hoe Grange Holidays. Set off on the High Peak Trail before joining the Tissington Trail (part of the Pennine Cycleway) at Parsley Hay. Most of the serious road work comes in the second part of the route, after you leave the Tissington Trail at Ashbourne. Enjoy great off-road cycling to get warmed up, epic views over Carsington Water, and plenty of cafes in Tissington or Ashbourne for refreshments.
Explore the Two Trails Full Loop

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The Buxton Explorer
Distance: 36.6 miles / 58.9 km
Elevation Gain: 2326 feet / 709 metres
Start/Finish: Hoe Grange Holidays*
Head up the Pennine Cycleway to explore the historic spa town of Buxton, with this slightly longer and slightly hillier route! The town is about halfway round the route, so the perfect place to stop for a spot of lunch, a cool refreshing drink, or to splash your face in the spa water at the historic pumps. The route offers a mix of challenging climbs and scenic descents, ensuring a rewarding ride through the heart of the Peak District.

Advanced road cycling routes
For seasoned cyclists seeking a challenge, these advanced routes offer demanding climbs and long distances. Perfect for testing your endurance and pushing your limits, while enjoying some of the Peak District’s most breathtaking landscapes.
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Hoe Grange Tour de Peak District
Distance: 78.7 miles / 126.7 km
Elevation Gain: 7079 feet / 2158 metres
Start/Finish: Hoe Grange Holidays*
Only for seasoned cyclists, this route is a demanding challenge with plenty of hill climbs. It takes in some of the most famous landscapes of the Peaks, from epic landscapes in the Hope Valley to the picturesque streets of Bakewell. With steep ascents and fast descents, this ride offers a true test of endurance and skill, along with some of the best scenery the national park has to offer.
Explore the Hoe Grange Tour de Peak District

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The Eroica Route
Distance: 97.7 miles / 157 km
Elevation Gain: 9401 feet / 2865 metres
Start/Finish: Bakewell
Another one for those of you who have many miles in the saddle under your belt, this route follows the old longer Eroica Britannica route. A real challenge with some long hill climbs, if you can tick this one off the list, you can call yourself a real Peak District cycling pro! Taking you through some of the most picturesque and challenging terrains, this route is both a physical and scenic delight.


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Peak District Towns Loop
Distance: 62 miles / 100 km
Elevation Gain: 5742 feet / 1750 metres
Start/Finish: Ashbourne or Matlock or Bakewell or Buxton – take your pick!
You can pick up this loop from any of the Peak District towns along the way. It uses some busy roads, so make sure you’re confident in traffic as well as used to the distances – it’s a hilly one! This loop takes you through some of the most charming towns and villages in the Peak District, offering a mix of demanding climbs and picturesque views that make the effort worthwhile.
Explore the Peak District Towns Loop

Top tips for road cycling in the Peak District
- Prepare your bike: Ensure your bike is in good working order before setting out. Check the brakes, gears, and tires, and carry a puncture repair kit and pump.
- Plan your route: If you use the OS Maps app or another digital maps programme, we can share the .gpx file for all of these routes with you. Download them for offline use – especially important as mobile signal in the Peak District can be patchy! Alternatively, we can give you a print out PDF when you arrive for your stay.
- Dress appropriately: The weather in the Peak District can be unpredictable. Wear layers and carry waterproof gear to stay comfortable in changing conditions.
- Stay hydrated and fuelled: Bring plenty of water and snacks. Energy bars and gels can be handy for longer rides, especially on challenging routes.
- Respect the environment: The Peak District is a national park with a delicate ecosystem. Stick to designated roads and cycleways, take your litter home, and be mindful of wildlife.
- Safety first: Always wear a helmet and high-visibility clothing. Be aware of your surroundings and follow the rules of the road.
Need a hand up the hills?
Want to add some extra oomph to your pedal power? We have two electric bikes available for hire for only £15 a day. With a range of about 60 miles, they'll help you get round many of the routes above with ease!

Hoe Grange Holidays: the perfect base for your Peak District cycling adventures
Our eco-friendly, self-catering log cabins and glamping pods provide a comfortable and relaxing retreat after a day on the road. With secure bike storage, washing facilities, and maps of local routes, we cater for all your cycling needs.
After a thrilling day of exploring the Peak District on two wheels, unwind in our outdoor hot tub or enjoy a barbecue with stunning countryside views. Whether you’re inspired by the Olympics to take up cycling or you’re an experienced rider looking for new challenges, Hoe Grange Holidays is your gateway to an unforgettable cycling experience in the Peak District.
Find out more about our log cabins, glamping pods and vintage gypsy caravan and book online today. Embrace the spirit of the Olympics and discover the joy of road cycling in one of the UK's most beautiful landscapes!
- Caroline
*Please note that for all cycling routes starting and finishing at Hoe Grange Holidays, this is only open to guests staying in one of our log cabins, glamping pods or vintage bow top vardo.







