Day
1:
Arrival at your hotel in the attractive Spa town of Buxton
with time to explore this charming town, said to be the
highest market town in England. |
Day
2:
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
you will pass through the Chatsworth Estate with a chance
to pay a visit to the opulent house & gardens. You
will continue to Bakewell, an attractive stone built town
famous for its Bakewell Tart or ‘pudding’
as it is known locally. The Monsal trail from Bakewell
provides a flat, traffic free bridleway to your overnight
stop at the spectacular viewpoint of Monsal Head (32 Miles). |
Day
3:
Leaving Monsal Head you will follow the river Wye along
the Monsal Trail to the comically named Water-cum-jolly
Dale. Passing through this attractive limestone gorge
to Millers Dale and up through Tideswell Dale you will
arrive at ‘Cathedral of the Peak’ Tideswell.
This pleasant village has a nice 15th century cathedral
along with galleries & local craft shops which provides
a great rest stop. The Northerly route along the Limestone
Way offers a dramatic change in the scenery as you venture
into the Dark Peak & onto 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 suppliers of ale, Castleton makes an ideal
stop for the night (11 Miles). |
Day
4:
Back on two wheels you take to quiet country lanes through
the Hope Valley 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. The reservoirs blend in perfectly with the surrounding
landscape and the gently undulating route offers a more
rugged surrounding landscape than the limestone countryside
to the south. In the afternoon you have the option to
visit one of the many caves, walk to the summit of Shivering
Mountain ‘Mam Tor’ or just take it easy in
this charming old village (25 Miles). |
Day
5:
This breathtaking but challenging walk provides panoramic
views for much of the way. The path up to Hollins Cross
offers fines views over both the Hope & Edale valleys
Dropping towards Edale you join the start of the Pennine
way & climb up Jacobs ladder towards Kinder Scout,
before dropping into the attractive village of Hayfield
(10 Miles). |
Day
6:
Your final day in the saddle is short ride along the Sett
Valley Trail to Birch Vale & onto Buxworth with superb
views over the Goyt valley throughout. Joining the Midshires
Way takes you back into Buxton in time for lunch (18 miles). |
