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 - Ashbourne (29 miles)
Cycling south from Buxton you will join the Pennine Cycleway, a flat traffic free bridleway which winds its way past delightful villages such as Hartington, famous for its magnificent 17th century hall, a fine example of a typical Peak District manor house. The village is also home to Derbyshire’s last remaining cheese factory which can still be bought from the dairy shop. You will pass more picture postcard villages at Alstonefield & Milldale before you reach the sunning scenery around Dovedale & the swiss style cottages of Ilam. Your final stop in Ashbourne, one of Derbyshire’s finest old towns has a wealth of Georgian architecture & interesting cobbled lanes to discover.
Day 3: Ashbourne - Bakewell (22 or 28 miles)
Travelling north out of Ashbourne you will pass through the charming village of Tissington, known for its ancient festival of well-dressing, a custom which dates back to 1350. Tissington is also known for the interesting Norman church of St. Mary & the 500 year old Tissington Hall which is a well worth a visit. You may wish to add a few miles to your route by cycling around the banks of nearny Carsington Water or take the attractive road past White Edge & Black Rocks takes you to Longcliffe & onto Winster. This pleasant village has some fine 18th century houses, however the most impressive building must be the Market House. Owned by the national Trust the rugged Market House dates from the 17th century & is a reminder of Winster’s past importance as a market town. Continuing through the pretty villages of Elton & Alport you will pass through Youlgreave, a delightful limestone village with a number of attractive Georgian houses. Your final ride takes you down into Bakewell with a chance to sample the delicious tart or pudding as it is known locally.
Day 4: Bakewell - Castleton (25 or 31 miles)
Leaving Bakewell behind you have the option of 2 routes to Castleton. You may wish to detour to visit Chatsworth house or join the Monsal Trail to Monsal Head, renowned for the fantastic views over Monsal Dale & the Wye Valley. Travelling along the river Wye you will pass through pretty Litton before arriving at Tideswell known as ‘Cathedral of the Peak’ due to the magnificent 14th century church of St John the Baptist . From Tideswell you will continue through Great Hucklow to Bretton. Stunning views look north to the Dark Peak & South to the White Peak over the infamous plague village of Eyam. A memorable 4 mile gradual decent takes you down to Hathersage & on through Hope to your overnight stop at Castleton.
Day 5: Castleton - Buxton (14 or 22 miles)
Leaving Castleton behind today’s route passes through Bradwell and wheston to arrive in Buxton with time for lunch in one of the many cafes or restaurants on offer.
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