Day 1: Arrive Buxton
Arrival at your hotel in the attractive Spa town of Buxton with time to explore this charming town, said to be the highest market town in England.
Day 2: Buxton - Monsal Head Cycle (26 or 31 miles)
Travelling south along the Pennine cycleway you will pass Arbor Low Henge, a Neolithic Stone age circle known locally as ‘Stone Henge of the Peak’. Peddling through attractive villages such as Middleton & Youlgreave you will pass through the Chatsworth Estate with a chance to pay a visit to the opulent house & gardens. You will continue to Bakewell, an attractive stone built town famous for its Bakewell Tart or ‘pudding’ as it is known locally. The Monsal trail from Bakewell provides a flat, traffic free bridleway to your overnight stop at the spectacular viewpoint of Monsal Head.
Day 3: Monsal Head - Castleton Walk (11 miles)
Leaving Monsal Head you will follow the river Wye along the Monsal Trail to the comically named Water-cum-jolly Dale. Passing through this attractive limestone gorge to Millers Dale and up through Tideswell Dale you will arrive at ‘Cathedral of the Peak’ Tideswell. This pleasant village has a nice 15th century cathedral along with galleries & local craft shops which provides a great rest stop. The Northerly route along the Limestone Way offers a dramatic change in the scenery as you venture into the Dark Peak & onto the valley most notably known for its spectacular cave systems. Nestled beneath the ruins of the Norman Peveril castle and with a number of traditional suppliers of ale, Castleton makes an ideal stop for the night.
Day 4: Upper Derwent Reservoirs Ride (18 or 28 miles)
Back on two wheels you take to quiet country lanes through the Hope Valley to the Upper Derwent Valley reservoirs. Situated amongst forested banks of pine beneath the surrounding high moorland this enjoyable ride has a distinctive alpine feel. The reservoirs were made famous by the 617 Dambusters squadron who trained with their bouncing bombs during WW2. The reservoirs blend in perfectly with the surrounding landscape and the gently undulating route offers a more rugged surrounding landscape than the limestone countryside to the south. In the afternoon you have the option to visit one of the many caves, walk to the summit of Shivering Mountain ‘Mam Tor’ or just take it easy in this charming old village.
Day 5: Castleton - Hayfield Walk (10 miles)
This breathtaking but challenging walk provides panoramic views for much of the way. The path up to Hollins Cross offers fines views over both the Hope & Edale valleys Dropping towards Edale you join the start of the Pennine way & climb up Jacobs ladder towards Kinder Scout, before dropping into the attractive village of Hayfield.
Day 6: Hayfield - Buxton Cycle (12 miles)
Your final day in the saddle is short ride along the Sett Valley Trail to Birch Vale & onto Buxworth with superb views over the Goyt valley throughout. Joining the Midshires Way takes you back into Buxton in time for lunch.
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