CYCLING

The Limestone Way, the longest signed footpath within the Peak District, is easily accessible from here, as is the Pennine Bridleway and the National Trail, the longest bridleway in the Peak District, which links Derbyshire and the South Pennines. Staying here at The Merchant’s Yard you can enjoy, from your doorstep, the best of limestone mountain biking, whether over peaks or through dales.

 

If you wish to hire bikes while you are here, please speak to us and we can point you in the right direction. You may prefer to hire bikes for a few hours to explore the trails along former railway lines where the gradients are gentler and the surface comparatively even.  (www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/cycle)

 

Take a mountain bike or a car north through the village of Bradwell, where they make incredible ice cream, (that we of course have tried and tested, and can highly recommend!) and on to the Hope Valley. Turn west and visit the pretty stone village at Castleton, Peveril Castle and the Speedwell Caverns and then on up Winnet's Pass - Derbyshire's Grand Canyon. Carry on to Mam Tor and take a walk up to the ancient hill fort and watch the paragliders and hang gliders.  If you have the energy the locality offers unrivalled mountain-biking terrain. (www.sustrans.org.uk)

 

Alternatively, if you prefer to keep your bike on tarmac, why not join some of our Olympian gold medallists who regularly train with roadwork along the miles of quiet country lanes which criss-cross the Limestone scenery. There are circular cycling routes in the area for all ages and abilities, please speak to us if you’d like more information. The reservoirs of Ladybower, Howden and Derwent offer stunning scenery and miles of gentle walks and cycle rides along their bank.