Dales Cycling

Much of the Derbyshire Dales is situated within the beautiful White Peak area of the Peak District National Park, the second most visited national park in the world. Our main towns are Ashbourne, Bakewell, Buxton, Matlock and Wirksworth. As you would expect there are plenty of activites to suit your needs within the Derbyshire Dales. 
Because much of the Dales area is limestone, rivers and lakes are not so frequently found but the terrain could not be better or more varied for the keen road cyclist or mountain biker.  The White Peak area is arguably the most scenic and varied, characterised by relatively short sharp climbs. There are both wooded areas and the characteristic limestone dales which attract riders from all over the country. Regular group rides from the surrounding cities and towns have been using the Derbyshire Dales as their focal point since they were formed and one of the largest cycle clubs in the UK, the Matlock Cycling Club is to be found nestling right on the edge of the Peak District National Park.

The widest range of mountain biking routes is probably to be found around the Dark Peak region of Edale and Hope Valley, although these tend to include the longer and more difficult climbs. In many cases these routes across the shales and gritstones of the Dark Peak are higher and more exposed than those found in the White Peak to the south.  Climbs within the White Peak can be steep, but tend to be shorter than the stamina testers of the Dark Peak.

Mountain bikes may legally be used along bridleways, by-ways, cycle trails classified and unclassified roads.  Indiscriminate use of mountain bikes can cause damage to a sensitive environments such as peat bogs.  The Peak District National Park Authority has placed 'No Cycling' signs on many footpaths to help protect such areas.

Derwent Edge, Kinder Scout and Bleaklow have particularly sensitive peat bog areas so if you cycle the footpaths in these areas then mountain bikers will get bad press. The areas are not  however completely off-limits and there are bridleways on which a bike can be used legitimately.

Check that you have decent clothing, with a waterproof top - especially in winter - and carry food and drink, because café stops are not always available on the uplands!  You may also find a map and compass invaluable as many of the routes in the Dark Peak are high you can easily find yourself in mist and cloud.  Always wear a helmet, it only takes one silly spill to do damage and there are plenty of opportunities for spills. Don’t go out without at least one spare tube a puncture repair kit and any tools you may need, and don’t forget your pump. Check that it’s the right one for your valves.

Useful maps are the Ordnance Survey 1:50000 sheets 110, 118 and 119, or the White Peak and Dark Peak 1:25000 Outdoor Leisure series.

Matlock Cycling Club   About Matlock Cycling Club Matlock Cycling Club is an organisation run by volunteers to support the interests of cyclists, whatever their ability. We are now one of the country's...