Day 1: Arrive Buxton
Arrival at your hotel in the attractive spa town of Buxton with time to explore this charming town, the highest market town in England.
Day 2: Buxton - Monsal Head (26 or 31 miles)
Travelling south along the Pennine Cycleway you will pass Arbor Low Henge, a Neolithic Stone age circle known locally as ‘Stone Henge of the Peak’. Peddling through attractive villages such as Middleton & Youlgreave to will pass through the Chatsworth Estate with a chance to pay a visit to the opulent house & gardens. You will have the chance to visit Bakewell, an attractive stone built town famous for its Bakewell Tart or ‘pudding’ as it is known locally or take the longer route through a number of attractive limestone villages past Hassop Hall before arriving at Monsal Head. The Monsal trail from Bakewell provides a flat, traffic free bridleway to your overnight stop at the spectacular viewpoint of Monsal Head.
Day 3: Monsal Head - Castleton (25 miles)
Travelling along the River Wye today’s ride takes you through the ‘Cathedral of the Peak’ Tideswell & on through Foolow to the infamous plague village of Eyam. A difficult climb out of Eyam takes you to the fantastic ridge with fine views over both valleys below. Cycle through the pretty hamlet of Abney before an amazing sweeping 4 mile descent to the historic village of Hathersage, made famous by Jayne Eyre in her classic novels. Pass through Hope into the valley most notably known for its spectacular cave systems. Nestled beneath the ruins of the Norman Peveril castle and with a number of traditional purveyors of ale, Castleton makes an ideal stop for the next 2 nights.
Day 4: Upper Derwent Reservoirs ride (18 or 28 miles)
Your ride this morning takes you through the Hope Valley towards the Upper Derwent Valley Reservoirs. Situated amongst forested banks of pine beneath the surrounding high moorland this enjoyable ride has a distinctive alpine feel. Made famous by the 617 Dambusters Squadron the reservoirs blend in perfectly with the surrounding landscape and the gently undulating route provides an excellent introduction the area. The afternoon is free to visit the caverns, walk along one of the many fantastic routes available or simply relax & spend some time in this charming village.
Day 5: Castleton - Buxton (14 or 22 miles)
Quiet country lanes take you away from Castleton through Bradwell to pass by Peak Forest to Peak Dale & back to Buxton in time for lunch in one of the many cafes or restaurants on offer.
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