Holiday Highlights
- Stay at Peveril of the Peak, a comfortable HF Country House in the Peak District National Park
- Relax in the heart of the Derbyshire Dales
- Flit across the famous stepping stones at scenic Dovedale
- Follow the Tissington, Manifold and High Peak Trails - miles of peaceful off-road cycling
- Explore the area using the very railroads that shaped it
- Cycling through the impressive Manifold valley
Itinerary
- Meals: Dinner
Today is set aside to allow you to arrive in Thorpe at your convenience. You will meet your leader and the rest of the group, and enjoy a leisurely evening meal at Peveril of the Peak.
Day 2 Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 515 Metres Approx.
The Tissington and High Peak Trails are old railway routes that offer miles of traffic-free cycling and form the basis of today’s ride. We start out along the road, meandering through the Derbyshire countryside to the village of Brassington. Here we join the High Peak Trail and head north-west to Parsley Hay and the junction with the Tissington Trail.
Finally, we’ll head south on the Tissington Trail back to Peveril of the Peak.
Show Profile
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 685 Metres Approx.
This circular ride from Peveril of the Peak takes us through classic limestone country, most notably the impressive Manifold Valley. We’ll start with a hilly outward route, through the villages of Ilam and Wetton to the hamlet of Hulme End. Here we’ll join the Manifold Trail which traces the old narrow gauge Leek and Manifold Railway through the valley.
We follow this delightful traffic-free route beside the Manifold and Hamps rivers to Waterhouses, from where we return to our accommodation via the ruins of the medieval Throwley Hall.
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Day 4 Carsington Water & Wirksworth
- Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
- Ascent: 665 Metres Approx.
Today we’ll ride out to the scenic reservoir Carsington Water, a popular spot for cycling, sailing and birdwatching. We’ll ride past several wildlife viewing points dotting its shore for a chance to spot a little owl or oystercatcher.
Onwards we go to visit the quirky market town of Wirksworth, a town with an interesting history steeped in lead mining, stone quarrying and textiles. These aspects and more can be explored at the Wirksworth Heritage Centre, a new museum bringing to life the town’s fascinating past including displays highlighting the Woolly Rhino bones found by lead miners down the local “Dream Cave” in 1822, and the lives of local figures such as D.H. Lawrence.
We return via Carsington Water where we can enjoy a scenic picnic before returning to the country house for afternoon tea.
Show Profile- Meals: Breakfast
Today we’ll have a leisurely breakfast together, and with plenty of miles in our legs and memories made, you’ll set off on your onward journeys home.
Understanding Profiles
Use these profiles to see:
- Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
- Ascent / Descent in metres (vertical axis)
Click 'see gradient' to see:
- Distance in Km (horizontal axis)
- % Gradient (vertical axis)
White vertical lines indicate unpaved sections or slightly rougher terrain.
Please check the scales on both graphs, and both axes as they both may differ from day to day.
GPS units and navigation softwares produce different statistical information based on a number of different factors, so please keep in mind the information we’re providing here is meant to be an indicative guide only.
Gradients in particular can be difficult to measure consistently, and sometimes steepness shown can vary as much as 5-10% from what’s signposted on the ground.
Using both graphs, alongside the grading and terrain information provided, should however give you a good idea of how flat, bumpy or steep the climbing on your particular tour is going to be.
Still Thinking It Over?
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Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
The White Peak area is hilly, but the majority of the gradients you will be cycling on are reasonably gentle. We will be using a mixture of traffic-free cycle paths and bridleways, as well as quiet country lanes, with some relatively short sections of steep ascent and descent, meaning the ride is most suitable for Hybrid bikes.
We also have e-bikes available, so there’s always the option of a cheeky boost if you need it! Please note that if opting for an e-bike, the pace of the riding will be set by the hybrid riders. If you are interested in riding an electric bike on this holiday please click here for more information.
Leisure Cycling Grade
Aspects of both our grade 2 and 3 holidays
Suitable for those looking for some cycle friendly routes
Features some modest climbs
Possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc).
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
Holidays that are graded as a 2-3, will have aspects of both our grade 2 and 3 holidays. These tours are still suitable for those perhaps who have recently got into cycling, and offer an array of accessible, cycle friendly routes, cycle paths and quiet roads, however there will be some days / sections where you may have to tackle some ups and downs, the occasional steeper climb and perhaps some varying terrain (forest tracks, gravel paths etc). Suitable for those with a decent level of physical fitness, looking for some leisurely rides with occasional (achievable!) challenges along the way.
For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.
Dates & Prices
Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit
Book now with a £300 deposit and nothing more to pay until 30 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.
Whats Included 
A) Shared twin (or double) room (single room may be available on request, for a supplement)
B) Full tour service including guides and a back-up vehicle carrying spares, snacks and extra equipment not needed on your bike
C) At least one leader qualified in First Aid
D) Full-board including picnic lunch and en route refreshments
E) GPX files available on request
F) Secure bike storage and bike wash facilities
G) Group train station collections / drop-offs on scheduled arrival and departure days
H) Financial Protection through ABTOT
What's not Included 
A) Bike and helmet rental (available if required)
B) Travel or flight costs or charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
C) Meals not stated in the itinerary
D) Single room (available if required)
E) Travel insurance
F) Personal clothing and equipment
G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
H) Entrance fees to cultural or historical sites and visitor centres
I) Other optional activities
J) Tips for guides, drivers, support staff
Private Departures
Are you keen to only travel with your family or friends? Struggling to find the right date? Well, we can organise a private departure for this tour and tailor aspects to suit your group's specific needs. Contact our friendly team and we'll help you turn your dream into reality.
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