The Best Bike Trails in Sheffield & The Peak District

Find the best bike trails that the Peaks have to offer

Exciting downhills, challenging ascents, multi-terrain, incredible countryside scenes, and ancient paths. You can expect that when you cycle in Sheffield and Peak District.

What’s great about bike trails in this area is that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a family looking for a Sunday afternoon ride or an adventurer looking for a week-long escape in the country, there’s something for you. Take your pick of our favourite bike trails in Sheffield and the Peak District.

Cycling trails in Sheffield and the Peak District

The Monsal Trail | Very easy | 5 miles | Paved off-road

The Monsal Trail is traffic-free and relatively flat, making it a perfect route for families and beginners. Expect long, lit tunnels of up to 400 metres, a linear track, and plenty of signs with historical facts.

Park the car and start the trail at Bakewell Station or Hassop Station. The trail is an out-and-back route, making it 10 miles in total. Start from Bakewell, and you’ll get a short hill out of the way first. That means you can enjoy the reward of zooming downhill to the finish line and the cafe!

https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/places-to-visit/trails/monsaltrail

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High Peak Trail | Easy | 17.5 miles | 386 m | Paved off-road

The High Peak Trail is a traffic-free trail following the former Cromford and High Peak Railway line. The railway opened in 1831 to carry minerals. In 1967, the line closed, and in 1971, it was converted into a paved trail for runners, cyclists, and riders.

Cycling through limestone countryside on this 17.5-mile ride, you’ll see dramatic landscapes, the ancient site of Minninglow Hill, Neolithic chambered tombs and Bronze Age burial barrows.

Starting at High Peak Junction, you’ll pedal to Downlow, south of Buxton. If you follow this direction, you’ll begin with a slight climb; after that, it’s relatively flat. This paved trail is ideal for kids, beginners, or cyclists looking to work on speed over endurance.

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Upper Derwent Valley Reservoirs | 15 miles | Track and road | Easy to moderate

Discover Ladybower, Derwent and Howden as you follow a scenic cycling route in the Upper Derwent Valley Reservoirs. You’ll experience a few steep hills on the eastern side and northern end as you move to the edge of the moorland.

It’s a popular spot for cyclists, so you’ll have plenty of company and a well-marked route to follow. You can hire bikes from the Fairholmes Visitor Centre. Stop off halfway for lunch at the Ladybower Inn or picnic by the picturesque water and look for sparrowhawks, goshawks, and merlins.

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Stanton Moor Circular | Matlock | Moderate | 24 miles | 748m | Road

Starting at Matlock railway station, you’ll saddle up and cycle a 14-mile loop, enjoying incredible views of the Wye Valley when you complete the Stanton Moor Circular. Stanton Moor Circular is an excellent route with 480m ascent if you're building stamina and strength on the hills.

This route is 100% road, so you must contend with cars. On the plus side, it also means plenty of places to stop and refuel in the nearby towns and villages.

https://visitpeakdistrict.com/trails/matlock-cycle-routes-stanton-moor-circular

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Pennine Bridleway, Middleton Top to Long Preston | 121 miles | 4856 m | Extreme

For cyclists looking for a real adventure, as the longest continuous off-road biking route in the UK, the Pennine Bridleway is one for your list. Expect changeable weather, thrilling technical descents and a hilly landscape – with a total ascent of 4856 m.

The terrain here is as varied as the weather. You’ll endure minor roads, aggregate tracks, moorlands, and stone. Some paths have been created for the Pennine Bridleway, but others are ancient highways. This isn’t a ride to do in a day. You’ll need to be prepared with a pannier containing food, spare clothes, a bike repair kit, a sleeping bag, and a small tent. You’ll also need food.

The best bike for this trail is a rigid or hardtail mountain bike. A gravel or adventure bike will also work. However, you may need to walk in a few parts.

If you like the sound of the Pennine Bridleway but don’t have as much time, try the Mary Towneley Loop just North of Peak District. This 47-mile round trip will see you take on an ascent of 2428 m – twice the height of Mount Snowdon.

The Mary Towneley Loop is a technical trail on the south Pennines that’s not to be underestimated. Despite being much shorter than following the Pennine Bridleway, it still features rugged terrain, gates, hills, and unpredictable weather. It’s a trail you’ll need to train for to avoid sports injury. Pack your pannier with plenty of Jelly Babies, high-carb snacks, gels, and water. You can start anywhere along the route – a popular starting point for this loop is Waterfoot, a small town in Rossendale, Lancashire.

Pedal power

Before you head out on one of the trails, be sure to warm up. Simple dynamic movements and stretches could be the difference between a smooth ride and a month of pain. You’ll also want to prepare with some training, particularly if you take a strenuous trail. Don’t overlook resistance training in your programme – you’ll need strength in your legs, back and arms to get up those inclines. Discover the top exercises for cycling that will get you in shape for even the most challenging terrains.