Tell me about the Peak District NP?

[TheBrownDog]

Somehow Ive managed to miss riding in the Peak District over the years, but am thinking of heading up in the first week of April. So Im looking for suggestions for a two-night route 50-60 miles each day that takes in at least a few of the must see things in the national park. Any thoughts?

Tim

[ianfitz]

I'm sure someone can send some gpx files your way but the vertebrate graphics dark peak guide has some great routes in it.

I'd say the classic (legal) routes in no particular order are cutgate from derwent, Jacobs ladder from hayfield side, Roych clough going north, any route past hope cross, Gore's farm descent, cavedale,
Have a google for the newly signed kinder loop which contains much of this

Nice riding includes the TPT parallel with the woodhead, anything in edale valley, even some of t he roads are ok

60 miles off road in't peaks is a good day out...

[HopeValleyPaul]

What Ian said,

Can't recommend cutgate enough, north and south (even if it's been wet it's worth the push over the top)

Also a descent of stanage plantation is worth the effort very short but brilliant and a good start if your coming in from sheffield. I'm also a big fan of shatton moor and the descent into bradwell, shatton moor isn't technical at all but has some cracking views. And is quite near the best pub in the peak ( the barrel in Breton)

The area around chatsworth house is worth exploring as well much quieter than around the hope/edale valley and slightly longer descents/climbs.

[FLV]

cant argue with these two so far.

Can add that if you're comming in from the west, derbyshire bridge, goyt valley are lovely if a little less rock strewn than the central area. Chinley churn has some nice additions to the usual rushup , roych trails too.

Basically, theres a lot of riding. Get on bike hike or on your OS maps on the kitchen table, plot a route and go for it. Or post it up here and I'm sure you'll get some feedback.

[Bearbonesnorm]

I've just emailed you something. It's too short for what you're after but might form the basis of something.

Chinley churn

It may contain this

[TheBrownDog]

Brilliant - thanks everyone and Stu for the GPX file. Suspect 60 miles might be a bit ambitious so will look to lower my sights a bit. Cheers.

[ianfitz]

If you want a sign posted loop then the kinder loop is worth a go. Includes cut gate!

http://www.peakhorsepower.co.uk/kinder-loop/4564966794