Meet at our accommodation in Bakewell and prepare for Saturdays ride
From our accommodation we ride above idyllic Lathkill Dale, past the market cross in Monyash, a village with a history of lead mining, farming and Quaker tradition, passing smaller settlements before climbing over to Buxton, famous for its curative hot springs and fine drinking water where there is a good choice of cafes. From here a steady climb takes us up Long Hill and down to the beautiful Goyt Valley where the limestone scenery darkens to that of millstone grit. We then climb via Errwood Reservoir up to Axe Edge Moor and into The Staffordshire Moorlands.
The next very scenic but hilly stretch taking in the Roaches can be bypassed if preferred. Otherwise we will explore the dramatic rock outcrops, go into Meerbrook by Tittesworth Reservoir and up over Morridge. After this the hills are lower as we return to the White Peak and pass through Youlgreave on our return to Bakewell. Many of the villages have well dressings to admire at this time of year.
We climb steeply from Bakewell over to Edensor where you will see Chatsworth House set in its magnificent park. We ride parallel to the parkland before climbing steeply at Beeley to ride high above Matlock to Crich where there is a Tram museum. We descend now to the Derwent Valley near Cromford Mills where Sir Richard Arkwright built the worlds first water-powered cotton spinning mill, a cornerstone of the industrial revolution and now a UNESCO site. We continue through Wirksworth to Carsington Water that opened in 1992, one of the last major reservoirs built, where we can lunch in the visitor centre. We then head through Bradbourne to the Tissington Trail, leaving at Parsley Hay to return on quiet lanes through Youlgreave back to Bakewell.
We leave Bakewell on the ever popular Monsal Trail, described as one of the most scenic rail journeys of its day. Crossing viaducts with views of Monsal Dale we pass through well lit tunnels to the old station at Millers Dale where we leave the trail for a steep climb out of the valley towards the High Peak District. Our highest point is reached just below Mam Tor where many now journey for a selfie of the sunrise to post on social media. Below us is the old 'shivering mountain' road to Castleton that was closed in the 1980's due to continual landslips. A steep descent takes into the beautiful Vale of Edale, the start of the Pennine Way over Kinder Scout. We descend the vale to begin our return at Yorkshire Bridge by Ladybower Reservoir where the Dam Busters practiced their aerial bouncing bomb techniques and continue through Hathersage and Eyam, the famous plague village that imposed self-isolation to protect other villages from the Black Death After climbing Longstone Moor we re-join the Monsal Trail back to Bakewell and the end of the tour.
Land Only - £160
A deposit of £50 per person is required as soon as possible once the Tour Organiser has confirmed your booking, with the final balance to be paid by 08-May-2026
Written Notice Received:
Cancellation Charge:
Before May 8th 2026
£50 deposit
After May 8th onwards
Full price of tour
Complete the booking form
The price of £160 (land only) is based on a minimum number of 8 people taking part in the holiday. If there are insufficient bookings by Friday 08th May 2026, we will contact you and return all monies paid.
This holiday is classed as energetic as there are many steep hills and one long day.
Based in the heart of the Peak District in Bakewell we cycle on quiet roads, cycle trails and one short section of track, we will explore The White Peak and some of The Dark Peak in Derbyshire and Staffordshire visiting Buxton, Hathersage and many small rural villages.
The Tour is based in Bakewell, there are railway stations at Buxton and Matlock.
Travel to the start and from the finish is not included in this holiday. It is very important that you note that neither your Tour Organiser nor Bikexplore are responsible for you in any way until the appointed time at the designated meeting point. Should you fail to arrive at the appointed time for whatever reason, we will not be responsible for any additional expenses you may incur in order to meet up with the tour group. Before finalising travel arrangements, you should ensure that the tour is definitely going ahead.
Should there be insufficient bookings or pandemic travel restrictions are re-imposed, we reserve the right to cancel the tour at any time. It is therefore recommended that you book fully flexible and refundable transport and accommodation or wait until you have been told the tour will go ahead. In the event of the tour being cancelled we will not be responsible for any losses incurred outside what you pay us.
We will use WhatsApp to communicate details like café stops, meal arrangements, places of interest and any emergencies on route. Ideally everyone will bring a smart phone and be happy to be included in the group.
If you are unable to join the WhatsApp group we can only communicate with you in an emergency.
The maximum number of participants will be 10 excluding the tour organisers.
We are staying in two self-catering apartments.
Prices are based on two people sharing a room, there is no single option.
The Tour organisers will provide tea, coffee and milk in the apartments,
We will stop at cafes for lunches and coffee where possible but you should always carry spare food in case these aren't available.
The tour organisers will arrange at least one group meal for those that want it in the evening.
Check that you have informed the Tour Organiser of any dietary requirements in your Booking Form.
Please remember to pack any medications that you need to take regularly.
• Ideally a touring, road, hybrid bike, electric or tandem. We suggest medium weight tyres (i.e. NOT heavily treaded mountain bike tyres). We would take a minimum of 25mm wide tyres.
• We recommend at least two spare innertubes and pump. We will carry basic general tools and a basic first aid kit, but we suggest you also bring a small first aid kit and any tools that are specific to your bike. Two water bottles should be ample as we are stopping at cafes.
• You should ensure your bike is well maintained, paying particular attention to wheels, tyres and brakes. A low (easy) bottom gear is useful on the hills.
• Mudguards are optional, but if it is wet then it's not so much fun cycling behind someone without them.
• A lightweight lock is advisable for when we stop at cafes.
• A bell/horn is essential for the cycle paths.
• Emergency rations e.g. energy bars are good to have, and we suggest a map, or some means of navigation.
• A fixed centre trip where we stay for three nights at the same accommodation.
• Most of each day will be spent cycling. People will be able to ride with the led group at around 19-23 km/h (on level sections) or by themselves, usually meeting up at cafes for lunch and refreshment breaks, the co-leader will ride at the back of the led group.
• It is expected that you may want to stop for photographs, look at the view or explore some local object and this is okay. You are on holiday.
• Most of the route is hilly and there is no back-up vehicle, so you do need to be fit to get the most out of this tour. It is essential to get out on your bike and do at least 50-to-80 kilometer rides before the tour starts. There are some steep descents too, so you should be able to negotiate these safely. Please note it may not always be possible to follow the itinerary exactly due to road works or weather etc, as things do not always go as planned. In these circumstances, you will be advised of alternative arrangements, you will need to be aware of the route each day. This information will be given to you before, or at the beginning of the holiday, and again at daily briefings.
• Daytime temperatures-average high of 19-20degC
• Hopefully sunny. Suggest cycling top and shorts, with a lightweight waterproof. Suncream, lip balm and sunglasses.
• No route sheets will be provided as such, just print the maps as you see fit.
• GPX files will be provided before the start.
• Ordnance Survey Landranger maps: 110, 118 & 119
Travel insurance is not compulsory for UK nationals traveling in the UK.
Current Covid and Influenza vaccinations are recommended for participants of 75 and 65 years of age respectively and over and those deemed medically vulnerable.
It is recommended that you are vaccinated against hepatitis A, typhoid, polio and tetanus and that protection has not expired. You should contact your doctor at least 3 months prior to travel to obtain these vaccinations and the latest advice for travellers.
Holders of non-UK passports are advised to check whether they require a visa.
Harvey Bell. email: harvey.bell1975@outlook.com Phone 07525125534