For this route we explore the western side of the Peak District venturing across the border from Derbyshire into Cheshire via the Macclesfield forest.

The route has to fairly substantial climbs in it – the fist one at the beginning up to the top of the Cat and Fiddle via a mix of tracks and quiet lanes. The payback for your efforts as some stunning views across the Cheshire Plain. When you get to the top of the Macclesfield Forest you’ll appreciate why we’ve decided to recommend you ride in a clockwise direction. The route’s a roller coaster ride of a descent for several miles which would be a punishing climb.

Don’t be put off by what looks like on the RWGPS map a fairly low percentage of unpaved surfaces. After you’ve left the sprawl of Macclesfield, the route enjoys eight miles of traffic free riding on the Middlewood Way. At Marple you drop down into the Goyt Valley – one of the tributaries of the mighty Mersey River and onto the towpath of the Peak Forest Canal.

Then it’s one final push from Whaley Bridge following the Old Road back over the hill into Buxton.

The Amber Valley is on the edge of the Peak District. It’s one of those places that’s well known by local riders but is often overlooked by cyclists from outside the area in favour of the national park.

As well as some cracking road climbs and MTB routes, the area also has a selection of bridleways and farm tracks that are great for gravel riders.

The Ambler Gambler route starts in the pretty village of Ashover. From here the route follows a selection of tracks, starting with a pave secteur and then heads up out of the valley with a lung busting climb.

The route heads across the tops with views into the Derwent Valley and Matlock and drops down into the village of Holloway. There’s then a road climb up to Crich. If you have an hour or two to spare, there’s the tramway museum to look around. Then it’s round the back of the village on a bridleway and back into the Amber Valley.

At South Wingfield the route passes a crumbling stately ruin and heads back up the valley. Then it’s through the quirkily named Toad Furnace and across the golf course at Shirland.

The route then hops on a disused railway track – Blackwell Trail. Then it’s up the Silverhill and Five Pits trails which are easy going after the climbs earlier in the route.

At Morton look out for the oak tree which has been planted to mark the villages claim to be the centre of England.

The route has a cracking descent towards the end called Eastwood Lane. It’s more gnarmac than tarmac so take your time and look out for farm vehicles.

The route is around 37% unpaved with several sections of gnarmac too. It’s suitable for gravel and CX bikes.

With a big chunk of it being in the national park, Sheffield rightly calls itself the Outdoor City. This route does a lap around the Steel City and is a mix of woodland trails, urban riding and open countryside.

The route starts and finishes at Dore Railway, a leafy suburb around 4 miles to the southwest of the city centre. The first third of the route is fairly lumpy – another of Sheffield’s geographical claims is that it is built on seven hills – just like Rome. Once you’ve passed through Oughtibridge the trails start to flatten out a bit,

There’s a bit of urban riding around Meadowhall, but the vast majority of it is on segregated cycle routes so it’s not as scary as it looks on the map. Once you are past there you pass through a series of urban woodlands.

The southern part of the route dips into Derbyshire and heads up the Moss Valley which has a lovely rural feel to it,

The route is suitable for gravel and cyclocross bikes.

If you enjoyed our Clumber Rumble route then you’ll love the Clumber Supreme !

This route extends our original classic and adds in the Archaeological, Silverhill, Teversall and Five Pit trails. As before it starts and finishes at Chesterfield Railway Station.

It’s 60%+ off road and mainly on disused railway tracks and canal towpaths so is not that technical terrain. Some of the sections are popular at weekends so take your time, share with care and enjoy the trails.

I’ve been riding in the UK and abroad for over 40 years, but the Peak District still remains my fave place to be. The area is such a diverse landscape, and despite having lived in the area all my life, the area still gives me a buzz when I travel through it.

With a little help from Ride With GPS I’ve created a map with some of my favorite gravel routes on so that I can share them with you. I’ve purposely not graded the routes as one person’s idea of heaven is another persons hell. Some of the routes use concessionary bridleways where access can be withdrawn at short notice. Enjoy.

The Peak District is a fantastic place to explore with children. However, especially with younger kids, the prospect of riding up some of the local hills and the volume of traffic can be quite daunting.

Below’s a list of our favourite places to take children cycling. As well as the route maps we’ve listed a few things to see and do on the way.

Ladybower

Situated in the heart of the Dark Peak the three reservoirs at the head of the Derwent Valley, known by many as Ladybower are a popular spot. There’s a cafe at the Fairholmes visitor centre where you can also hire bikes. On a weekend, the road round the western side of the reservoirs is closed to traffic except for the three properties that are situated there. Things to see include the site of ‘Tin Town’ at Birchinlee where the navvies lived whilst they were building the dams and the Kings Tree which was planted by George VI in 1945. The area can be a victim of its own success, however if you go mid-week it’s a lot quieter. 

Thornhill Trail

Often overlooked in favour of the Upper Derwent reservoirs the Thornhill trail follows the former light railway that was built to transport the stone for the dam construction from Bamford up the valley. The route starts at Bamford recreation ground and goes past the former water boards HQ which is now used by the Quaker community. The trail finishes by the Ladybower reservoir. From here you can continue along a trail by the banks of the reservoir or go to the dam wall and look into the giant ‘plughole’ overflows. The nearest pub is the Yorkshire Bridge just down from the dam wall which does a fine pint. 

Longshaw

Originally owned by the Duke of Rutland, the 747 acre Longshaw Estate is now run by the National Trust. From the rather imposing shooting lodge an ancient track runs through the estate. Things to look out for include millstones, an ancient guide stoop dating back to 1709 and if you are really lucky, red deer. There’s a nice tea room next to the lodge where you can admire the view over the moors across a meadow that is host to one of the world’s oldest sheepdog trials every September.

Monsal

The Monsal Trail is popular with both tourists alike. Originally part of the Derby – Manchester railway, the section we’ve highlighted runs from Hassop station westwards. There’s a lot of parking at Hassop along with a cafe and bike hire. Highlights of the trail include numerous tunnels, the Monsal viaduct and views across a spectacular gorge overlooking Water-cum-Jolly. There’s also a cafe at Millers Dale and the Buxton end of the trail at Blackwell. 

High Peak and Tissington trails.

The High Peak and Tissington trails were one of the original former railways to be converted into multi user trails. With gentle gradients and miles of traffic free cycling to be had they are great with kids. There’s several bike hire facilities on the trail – at Ashbourne, Parsley Hay and Middleton top. All of those make a great starting point. Highlights include going in the signal box at Hartington on the Tissington Trail and the Hopton tunnel on the High Peak Trails. 

Manifold Valley

The Manifold Valley is another disused railway. The trail heads down a high sided valley following the River Manifold. Unlike other routes featured here the trail does use quiet roads for a short while. Highlights include looking up at Thor’s Cave and the tearooms at Whetton. There’s a bike hire and cafe at Holme End. 

Carsington Water

Carsington Water sits just outside the Peak District but is a notable mention. There’s an undulating 8 mile loop around the reservoir which is great for slightly older kids. Plenty of car parking is available. Highlights include the cafe, looking for wildlife through numerous hides and watching the boats on the reservoir.

White Peak Loop (Darley Dale)

This lesser known rail trail goes from just outside Matlock to the village of Rowsley. Our favourite section is from Darley Dale to the end at Rowsley. This starts in the park behind the rather grand Whitworth Institute. There’s a nice cafe just beyond the northern end of the trail at Caudwells Mill which has a working water wheel. The other thing to watch out for is steam trains that run alongside the trail on the Peak Rail heritage railway.