Peak Family Tour
This tour is suitable for families because the majority of the route is along traffic free bridleways and the mileage each day is low. However this tour is suitable for anyone with limited cycling experience. Your first day takes you along the High Peak Trail to the ancient market town of Winster. Your second day in the saddle is mostly along quiet country lanes to the charming town of Ashbourne. Day 3 is almost entirely on bridleways back to your starting point.
Arrival Day: Arrive Hartington
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 and a bedroom where Bonnie Prince Charlie once slept.
Day 1: Hartington – Winster (14 miles)
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’. Your 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 2: Winster – Ashbourne (18 miles)
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 along more peaceful roads through farmland to the attractive town of Ashbourne. (18 miles – Approx 30% bridleways / 70% quiet country lanes)
Day 3: Ashbourne – Hartington (13 miles)
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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From: £165.00