Peak District Cycling Routes: 7 Rides You'll Never Forget

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Why the Peak District Deserves Your Next Cycling Holiday The Peak District sits right in the heart of England, and it's packed with cycling routes that'll test your legs, fill your camera roll, and leave you planning your next visit before you've even loaded the bike back on the...

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Last Updated:

9 Apr 2026

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Why the Peak District Deserves Your Next Cycling Holiday

The Peak District sits right in the heart of England, and it's packed with cycling routes that'll test your legs, fill your camera roll, and leave you planning your next visit before you've even loaded the bike back on the car. Whether you're after traffic-free family rides or brutal climbs that sort the serious riders from the Sunday strollers, this National Park delivers. Here are seven routes that genuinely stand out.

1. The Monsal Trail (8.5 miles)

This is the one everyone talks about, and for good reason. A disused railway line running between Bakewell and Chee Dale, the Monsal Trail takes you through tunnels that were sealed for decades before reopening in 2011. The gradients are gentle, the surfaces are smooth, and the views from Headstone Viaduct are worth stopping for. Perfect for families or anyone wanting a relaxed half-day ride with a Bakewell pudding stop at the end.

2. The Tissington Trail (13 miles)

Running from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay, this former railway path is another cracking traffic-free option. It's slightly longer than the Monsal and gets quieter the further north you go. The old station at Tissington village makes a lovely rest stop, and there's a café at Parsley Hay where the trail meets the High Peak Trail. Bring layers — the exposed sections catch the wind.

3. The High Peak Trail (17 miles)

Linking Cromford to Dowlow, this route follows the old Cromford and High Peak Railway. The southern section has some proper steep gradients where you'll be glad of low gears. The views across the White Peak limestone plateau are outstanding, particularly around Harboro Rocks. It's a longer day out, so pack plenty of water and snacks.

4. Winnats Pass (3 miles, but they count)

If you want a climb that features on every "toughest ascents in England" list, this is it. The road through Winnats Pass rises steeply between towering limestone pinnacles, and the gradient kicks hard in places. It's short but savage. The descent into Castleton is your reward — that and a pint at one of the village pubs.

5. The Chatsworth Circuit (20 miles)

This road loop takes in the grandeur of the Chatsworth estate, rolling through Edensor village and along the banks of the River Derwent. The terrain is rolling rather than brutal, though there are a few sharp climbs to keep you honest. On a clear autumn day, with the golden parkland stretching out beside you, this is about as good as road cycling gets in the Peaks.

6. Longdendale Trail (6.5 miles)

An often-overlooked gem running from Hadfield to the Woodhead Tunnel. The path follows the reservoirs through the Longdendale Valley, and the scenery is dramatic — dark water, steep hillsides, and very few people compared to the southern trails. It's flat and well-surfaced, making it ideal for a shorter ride or a gravel bike outing.

7. The Cat and Fiddle (11 miles)

The A537 between Buxton and Macclesfield is legendary among cyclists and motorcyclists alike. The road climbs steadily to the Cat and Fiddle pub at 1,690 feet, making it the second-highest pub in England. The gradients are manageable but relentless, and the exposed moorland means weather changes fast. Check the forecast, respect the descent, and enjoy one of the most thrilling rides the Peaks has to offer.

Planning Tips

Best time to visit: May to October, though September offers quieter trails and stunning colours.

Bike hire: Available at several trailheads, including Hassop Station on the Monsal Trail and Parsley Hay for the Tissington and High Peak trails.

Getting there: Buxton, Matlock, and Bakewell are the main gateways, all reachable from the M1 or M6 within an hour.

Accommodation: Plenty of cycling-friendly B&Bs and pubs with rooms. Book ahead during school holidays.

The Peak District doesn't shout about its cycling the way the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales sometimes do, but that's part of the charm. Get out there and see for yourself.