The link above will take you to a website full of cycling routes. Some local routes are suggested below
The Tissington Trail runs for 13 miles from Parsley Hay in the north to Ashbourne in the south.
The London and North Western Railway (LNWR) between Buxton and Ashbourne first opened in 1899. Following the closure of the line around seventy years later, the Peak District National Park bought the route in 1971 and turned it into a traffic free trail for walkers and cyclists. To access the Tissington Trail from The Old Chapel cycle up Hall Bank. At the Pond cross roads head straight over following the signs for Heathcote. Cycle through Heathcote and when you reach a bridge there is a path on the right which gets you onto the Tissington Trail. You can cycle all the way into Ashbourne town center.
Medium route for leisure cyclists Distance: 9.5 miles short loop; 23 miles full loop
Take a journey through the hills and limestone dales of the Peak District and enjoy traditional villages, medieval settlements, copper mines and a disappearing river.
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 27km/17miles
Ascent: 575m/1886ft
Discover a tranquil landscape shaped by water on this 17-mile route near Carsington Reservoir. Grade: Moderate
Grade: Moderate
Distance: 45km/28miles
Ascent: 760m/2493ft
Ashbourne Cycle Routes - Trails Triangle
Discover a rich industrial heritage and railway history on this 28-mile route. Grade: Moderate
South Peak Loop
The South Peak Loop is a long distance ride developed by Peak Horse Power covering 70 miles on bridleways, old railway trails and quiet country lanes. It is suitable for mountain bikes as well as horses.
Section 1 - Miller's Dale to Hartington - 12 miles.
The ride starts at Miller's Dale car park on the Monsal Trail and then climbs up and crosses the limestone plateau. It then follows the Upper Dove Valley south to the village of Hartington.
Section 2 - Hartington to Tissington - 17 miles.
This section of the loop leaves Hartington, crosses Wolfscote Dale and follows the Manifold valley south to Weagʼs Bridge. The route then leaves the Manifold and via Hopedale and Milldale joins the Tissington Trail south to the village
Section 3 - Tissington to Middleton by Youlgreave - 24m
This section goes from Tissington to Carsington Water via bridleways and country roads. It circles the reservoir then, via bridleways, quiet lanes and a short stretch of the High Peak Trail heads north to Middleton by Youlgreave.
Section 4 - Middleton by Youlgreave to Miller's Dale - 18m
This section takes in the village of Over Haddon and the market town of Bakewell before crossing part of the Chatsworth estate then along the Monsal Trail to return to Millerʼs Dale station.
This 7 ½ mile circular walking route takes you North from Hartington and through the wonderful Derbyshire countryside to the archaeological site of Pilsbury castle
The Derbyshire village of Hartington is full of charming 18th century houses, an idyllic pond but most importantly, it is home to one of the best local cheese shops in the county (if not the world). Here you can buy delicious locally made cheese such as the Hartington Stilton, Peakland Cranberry and Orange and our personal favourite, Peakland Blue. Click here for a blog all about the Hartington Cheese shop and it’s wonderful produce.
After you’ve stocked up on cheese and enjoyed the beautiful architecture of Hartington, you can begin your walk. Follow the directions detailed HERE and you’ll arrive at Pilsbury Castle.
This is one of the best examples of a motte and bailey castle in the whole of Derbyshire, and is thought to have been built in 110 by the Normans. Looking over the River Dove, the earthworks that remain of this castle make for a lovely setting for a (cheesy) picnic!
The walk continues to cross the River Dove at a footbridge and returns to Hartington. Always bring your own map and compass with you on any walk in the Peak District. A good pair of walking boots are also advisable
This 6 mile circular walking route takes you South from Hartington and through the limestone dales
Dovedale is a honey pot for the Peak District and attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. This 10km circular walk gives you all the pleasures of upper Dovedale, starting and ending in the charming Peak District village of Hartington but without the crowds of Dovedale. More information can be found HERE
