Day 1: Arrive Hathersage
Arrive Hathersage at your accommodation for the night.
Day 2: Hathersage - Edale Cycle
Your first ride takes you to the Upper Derwent Valley reservoirs. Situated amongst forested banks of pine beneath the surrounding high moorland this enjoyable ride has a distinctive alpine feel. The reservoirs were made famous by the 617 Dambusters squadron who trained with their bouncing bombs during WW2. You may chose to cycle the shorter route of just the Ladybower reservoir or take in all 3 spectacular reservoirs including the Derwent & Howden reservoirs. Quiet country lanes take you through Thornhill, Aston & Hope before arriving at the lovely country house at Edale YHA.
Day 3: Hope & Edale Valleys Walk
This superb walk takes you away from the Edale valley up the ‘The Great Ridge’ which reveals fine panoramic views over both the Hope & Edale valleys below. A great path takes you into the village of Castleton which makes a fine place to stop for lunch & perhaps explore one of the popular show caverns found nearby. Away from Castleton you will amble past the 11th century Norman Peveril castle to join the Limestone Way. You will continue up to the Iron Age fort at Mam Tor before dropping back down to Edale.
Day 4: Edale - Youlgrave Cycle
The journey south takes you to from the rugged Dark Peak to the rolling hills & limestone gorges of the White Peak. You will pass through ‘Cathedral of the Peak’ Tideswell, known for its magnificent 14th century church of St John the Baptist. Passing through the pretty village of Litton takes you to Monsal Dale & along the banks of the River Wye to the viewpoint at Monsal Head. A lovely lane through Little Longstone & Great Longstone takes you to the Monsal Trail bridleway into Bakewell where you may wish to sample to delicious, locally made pudding. The short but hilly road south takes you to Youlgreave, a delightful limestone village with a number of attractive Georgian houses and 3 cosy country pubs to chose from.
Day 5: Lathkil Dale Walk
Joining the Limestone Way again you will walk through wonderful rolling green fields to Monyash. Mentioned in the Domesday Book as Maneis, the name Monyash is thought to derive its name from ‘many ash trees’. The village is clustered around a village green & is home to a great pub, known for its excellent food. Here you turn south to Lathkil Dale, surely one of Derbyshire’s prettiest dales, with an abundance of wild flowers & birds. You will continue along the Lathkil Trail to the tiny village of Over Haddon which offers great views over to the Haddon Estate. Continuing alongside the River Lathkil takes you to Alport, recently voted ‘Derbyshires prettiest village’, here you will join the River Bradford back to Youlgrave.
Day 6: Youlgrave - Hathersage Cycle
Out of Youlgrave you will pass through the Chatsworth Estate, with a chance to visit the opulent house & gardens. The journey north through Baslow & Grindleford offers fantastic views over the fine gritstone Edges of Baslow, Curbur, Froggatt & over towards Stanage before you arrive back at Hathersage.
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