Day
1:
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:
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. Further along
the trail you may wish to stop at 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. Your final stop in Ashbourne,
one of Derbyshire’s finest old towns has a wealth
of Georgian architecture & interesting cobbled lanes
to discover (25 miles).
Day
3:
Travelling north out of Ashbourne you will pass through
the village of Kniveton with the tiny church of St Michael
with its 13th century tower, Norman doorway, Lancet windows
& 13th century font. An 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 (23 miles).
Day
4:
Leaving Bakewell behind you 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 travel via idyllic
country lanes through Wheston & onto Peryfoot. Your
journey to Castleton down
the breathtaking Winnats Pass provides a memorable end
to another great day out in saddle. (21 miles)
Note: There are a number of variations to the days
cycling depending on your preference. You may decide
to take a detour to Chatsworth House arriving in Castleton
later in the day, alternatively travel via the infamous
plague village of Eyam &
onto Stannage Edge via Hathersage.
Day
5:
Leaving Castleton behind today’s route passes through
Peak Forest to arrive in Buxton with time for lunch in
one of the many cafes or restaurants on offer (18 miles).
