Goldeneye Peak District: Cycling Country Lanes & Traffic Free Family Routes

The Peak District is a remarkable place. In the north, there is the Dark Peak with its upturned horseshoe of high, gritstone moors and crags, descending southwards to the east and west of a limestone plateau into the softer, pastoral landscape of the White Peak itself incised by the valleys of the Derbyshire Dales. These differing landscapes offer some of the best country lane cycling in Britain. The Tissington, Manifold and High Peak Trails are some of the longest converted railway tracks in the country and are a great way for families and inexperienced cyclists to enjoy traffic-free cycling. Despite a long and complex history stretching back through the Romans to prehistoric times, until relatively recently The Peak remained a wild, upland region, unknown to all but a few outsiders. The growth of the great industrial conurbations surrounding it, and the associated development of the railways changed all that - though it was appropriately the development of the bicycle that gave the workers the freedom to escape from the noise and pollution of mill, factory and steelworks to the clean air of the hills. In 1951 The Peak became Britain’s first National Park. Being my ‘own patch’, I have a particularly close relationship with The Peak District. I moved here to climb some 40-years ago, and as my interest in cragging waned, mountain biking in all forms; on and off-road gradually took its place and I began to explore this unique landscape in a wholly different way. I served my apprenticeship with two close friends – Andy Birkby and Kim George who knew every lane, track and bridleway by heart, and rarely looked at a map. I owe much of my original knowledge of these routes to them – my thanks for that, and for so many, unforgettable days. Happy Cycling, Al Churcher

Goldeneye Peak District Off-Road Bike Routes

Explore the Peak District on your mountain bike or trail bike with this laminated, waterproof Peak District cycle map. With 10 brilliant, clearly-marked routes this easy-to-use map will help you discover the best of Peak District off road. The differing landscapes of the Peak District offer some of the best off-road cycling in Britain, from loose surface climbs and gnarly rocky descents that test both nerve and technical skills, to ancient pack-horse trails, long grassy drover's roads and converted railway tracks. In the Tissington, Manifold and High Peak Trails, the White Peak has some of the longest converted railway tracks in the country. A great way for families and inexperienced cyclists to enjoy traffic-free cycling, with great views and make useful links between "proper" off-road sections, as well as a chance to really get some speed up. Each route has been chosen for its overall quality - a firm belief that bikes are for riding, the inclusion of technical difficulty for its own sake, or too much pushing or carrying, has been avoided wherever possible. All are circular, and where possible start at, or near to, main roads or railway stations, to avoid creating extra motorised traffic on the quiet lanes that we are intending to travel. The direction chosen is intended to provide the best views, and more importantly, to keep the steepest and longest climbs on tarmac or similar surfaces, and the best downhills, off-road. The routes are made up as follows: Easy - Almost flat routes, usually around 10 miles in length and on good surfaces that in all but extreme conditions should be 100% rideable. With easy navigation and any real climbs on tarmac, these are particularly suitable for beginners or family groups. Moderate - More challenging routes, generally of 12 to 15 miles over more undulating terrain and varied surfaces (possibly including mud when wet). More exciting downhills, and steeper climbs may need the occasional push. More strenuous - Possibly longer routes with significant ascents which will certainly needpushing or carrying. Steep and/or technical, and rough and rocky descents. May cross high, remote moorland, requiring appropriate equipment and experience.