Day
1:
Arrive at Hartington & stay in either a family run
B&B or Hartington Hall - The Peak Districts showcase
hostel. Dating to the 17th century the hall features oak
panelling, log fires & a bedroom where Bonnie Prince
Charlie once slept. |
Day
2:
Cycle along the superb gorge at Long Dale to Parsley Hay,
where you join the Pennine Bridleway Southwards. You may
chose to detour the short distance to Arbor Low, a Neolithic
Stone Age circle known as 'Stonehenge of the Peak'. You
journey South is along the flat traffic free bridleway
of the High Peak Trail, which takes you to Elton, where
you join a quiet country lane to Winster. This ancient
village has some fine architecture throughout the village,
most notably the Market House, owned by The National Trust.
(14 Miles - Approx 60% bridleways / 40% quiet country
lanes) |
Day
3:
Todays ride is mostly along quiet country lanes with a
short section on the bridleway. You will pass green fields
& farmland through the quiet hamlet at Aldwark to
Longcliffe where you join the Pennine bridleway. Cycle
along 'The Midshires Way' past Harboro Rocks to the fine
viewpoint at Middleton Top, which makes a great place
to stop for a break. Continue through Hopton to the banks
of Carsington Water. Here you will travel by the banks
of the reservoir which has a number of watersports facilities
available & sailing, kayaking etc can be booked if
desired. Continue through another ancient village at Kniveton
to arrive at Ashbourne. (17
miles - Approx 20% bridleways / 80% quiet country lanes) |
Day
4:
Almost all of todays ride is along the traffic free 'Tissington
Trail'. You will have the chance to venture through Ashbourne
tunnel if you dare! Tissington village makes a nice place
to stop with its imposing hall, fine church, cafe's &
duckpond. If you pass through the village in the month
of May you will have chance to see the spectacular folk
art to comemorate the ancient festival of welldressing
which dates back to 1350, or earlier. A number of fine
views open up as you continue along the trail & pass
through Biggin to join another bridleway back to Hartington.
(13 miles - Approx 90% bridleways / 10% country lanes) |
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