On your bike – trails to explore

A tale of two trails

This year the Monsal Trail and the Tissington Trail both celebrate big birthdays, but the enjoyment of traffic-free trails does not stop there as Liam Benson discovers more.

Fabulous at forty

With the numbers of visits doubling last summer as we all craved the outdoors once again following lockdown, the Monsal Trail remains as popular as ever.

Now in its 40th year – and some ten years since its iconic tunnels opened to the public – this family favourite has a new bustling feel, over 60 years since trains last rattled along its lines.

Winding through some of the Peak District’s most spectacular limestone dales, the old Midland Railway trail stretches 8.5 miles between Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale, and Coombs Road, at Bakewell.

With six tunnels, most around 400m long and fully lit during daylight hours, they make for a fantastic experience – especially for children! The renovated station buildings and café at Millers Dale offer a perfect halfway stop-off.

Nifty at fifty

Not only a brilliant bike ride or perfect setting for a leisurely stroll, the Tissington Trail has a fascinating history. Once the railway line between Buxton and Ashbourne – and even a supplier of milk to London – there is real heritage below your feet.

This year marks the 50th anniversary since the site opened as a dedicated route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders since the National Park purchased the site in 1971.

There has never been a better time to take a gaze through history, discover the former station platforms, find the old signal box, or appreciate the cowslips and other wildflowers that frequently adorn the banks of the 13-mile trail.

Just as popular today! Queueing around the building at Parsley Hay Bike Hire Centre in 1981, above. Cycling along the Monsal Trail, left.

WHEELIE GOOD NEWS! Hiring our bikes and spending in our visitor centres are just two ways you can help us contribute to the yearly costs to upkeep the range of trails in the Peak District.

ANYONE FOR A CYCLE?

With miles upon miles of family friendly trails, you can soon soak up everything the trails have to offer by hiring a bike and cycling.

Possessing a wealth of experience spanning over four decades, our bike hire centres have put a smile on thousands of faces over the years and have developed greatly to have a fleet of bikes suitable for all sizes, ages and abilities, not to mention an extensive range of accessible access bikes for those with additional mobility requirements. The National Park’s facilities at Ashbourne Bike Hire Centre and Parsley Hay Bike Hire Centre make the ideal starting point to explore the Tissington Trail. The former picks the route up at the southern point, whilst the latter is located centrally along the Buxton-Ashbourne line.

The Monsal Trail is accessible by bike, with independent hire opportunities at both Blackwell Mill and Hassop near Bakewell.

With prices from just £16 for adults and £12 for children, and no prior booking required, taking in the beauty of this wonderful landscape could not be easier. For more information including a brief video on how hiring a bike in the National Park has been made Covid-19 safety assured, please visit peakdistrict.gov.uk/bikehire

More of what you like...

Whilst the landmark anniversaries celebrate the Monsal Trail and the Tissington Trail this year, there are plenty of other locations to also enjoy and explore.

High Peak Trail

Stunning views and rich wildlife. This 16-mile trail is accessible from Parsley Hay Bike Hire Centre and conveniently intersects with the Tissington Trail.

Manifold Way

The former Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway spans 8.5 miles and takes in the striking Thor’s Cave. The trail has easy access from Manifold Bike Hire Centre at Hulme End.

PHOTO: TOM MARSHALL

Upper Derwent Valley

The 12-mile Derwent and Howden Reservoirs circuit is just one of many eye-catching routes at the famous site of the Dambuster 617 Squadron’s training exercises. Accessible from Derwent Bike Hire Centre.

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Cycle jersey £70, men’s and women’s sizes available from our visitor centres and with free delivery.