Day 1: Arrive Hartington
Arrive at Hartington & stay at Hartington Hall - The Peak Districts showcase hostel. Dating to the 17th century the hall features oak panelling, log fires & a bedroom where Bonnie Prince Charlie once slept.
Day 2: High Peak Trail & Arbor Low (14 miles)
A series of traffic free bridleways takes you away from Hartington through the attractive village of Biggin to join the Pennine Bridleway. This fantastic gentle off road trail takes you Northwards along the High Peak Trail to Parsley Hay. A short detour away from the trail takes you to Arbor Low Henge. This Neolithic stone circle is said the date to 2000BC and played an important part in the ceremonies & markets of Middle Stone age man. A superb quiet country lane takes you along the almost traffic free gorge at Long Dale back to Hartington.
Day 3: Tissington Trail & the River Dove (13 or 19 miles)
Travelling southwards you will pass the isolated hamlet of Alstonefield before dropping down to pretty Milldale. Here you will cycle alongside the crystal clear waters of the River Dove before ascending to the Tissington Trail. This traffic free bridleway runs along the old railway line that ran down to Ashbourne & the cycling is nice and easy with fine views throughout. You may pass through the village of Biggin or continue down the gorge at Longdale which provides at superb end to a truly memorable days cycling.
Day 4: The Manifold Trail & the Manifold River (12 or 21 miles)
A series of quiet country lanes & bridleways takes you to the northern tip of Beresford dale which provides fine views southwards of the striking limestone gorge. Travelling west through rolling green fields you will continue along quiet country lanes to Hulme End where you join the traffic free bridleway & cycle along the Manifold Way past ‘Thors Cave’ & Wetton Mill. A brief climb takes you up to the village of Wetton which makes a fine place to stop for lunch. If you are feeling energetic you may wish to extend your ride & continue along the Manifold Trail & follow the River Hamps all the way to the base of Milk Hill.
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