What does the peak district have to offer?

Rich25

Im probably leaving my beloved, hilly north-east and moving close to the peak district. Im just wondering if it has any decent riding. Any comments welcome

stumpyjon

Which part, the Peaks are in two distinct parts, Dark peak to the north (gritstone bedrock) and White Peak to the south (limestone). I think the better riding is in the north peak but I'm sure others would disagree.

When you say close to the Peaks, whereabouts, Manchester and the north is excellent, no shortage of killer hills as the Pennines continue up through Lancs & Yorks.

Not so sure about Sheffield or Stoke sides though.

Rich25

its actually west yorkshire. I had a good look at the map trying to find some decend riding not too far away. Cheers for the info

paulswilliams2

There are some great trails around the Dark Peaks: Jacob's Ladder, and Hope Cross descent spring to mind. Easily accessible from Manchester via the A57 (Snake Road!!). I have also heard good things of Macclesfield Forrest (http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtop ... cclesfield).

A bit further north is the Forest of Bowland, and even the Lakes and Dales if car transport is available.

passout

Good but the Lakes is better.

stumpyjon

Now you're talking, I'm just over the border in Lancashire, loads of riding in Calderdale (W. Yorks) and Rossendale (Lancs) plus as paulwilliams2 points out Lakes and Forest of Bowland are easy access as well.

I don't often bother with car, I can ride in most directions for 10 to 20 miles off road easily from my house (average 20 mile ride around me usually includes about 3000 ft of climbing lol so plenty of hills).

Bikedevil

Ahhh The Peak District, used to live within 30 mins ride of it in Sheffield, What I know well is the Dark Peak, namely Hope & Edale Valleys. You've got Hollin's Cross, just outside of Castleton, Cavedale the next valley over to the north west of Castleton which is basically one massive rock garden all the way down (awesome fun), several Jacobs Ladders here and there and then you've also got one of the best descents int the Peaks to the North of Slippery Stones out in the Derwent Valley to the North of Lady Bower, Howden and Derwent Reservoirs (where they fillmed/trained for the Dambusters raid!!!) Towards the edge of the Dark Peak (towards Sheffield) you've also got Grindleford Cafe (great for just about any butty or a pint) you can think of and that has a nice ride back into Sheffield down Blackamoor or Devil's Elbow (just off of another nice route over Houndkirk Moors (there's pub at the end of that one!!)

supersonic

You are also near Wharncliffe woods, to the north of Sheffield, some excellent riding there. Great variety of riding in the peaks. Plus close to where you are is Holme Moss and Longdendale.

Rich25

fantastic info cheers

stevebrock

It so different as well if your getting fed up with Trail Centre fodder.

I did Cut Gate path all the way up to Howden Resovoir on some superb singletrack...the scenery is stunning..... now that is proper All Mountain biking!

You wouldnt go far wrong by buying 'Dark Peak Mountain Biking' by v-graphics at www.v-publishing.co.uk