White Peak Gravel Loop

A big day out in the White Peak area of the Peak District, 67km and 500m of ascent

A chance to ride the full length of both the High Peak Trail and the Monsal Trail,

Starting from the Northern End of the High Peak Rail Trail, the route slowly climbs to Middleton Top over about 16km before a steep descent to the High Peak Junction with the Cromford Canal, which we follow to its terminus at Cromford. The next section follows the River Derwent  through Matlock, on main roads, before joining a cycle path to Rowsley.

After Rowsley, we climb on Bridleways before joining the Monsal Trail to the south of Bakewell. We shall ride the full length of the Monsal Trail, a very popular route with both walkers and cyclists passing through dramatic scenery and includes several tunnels.

At the end of the Monsal Trail, we climb out of the Wye Valley following the Pennine Bridleway, a mixture of rough tracks and paved roads before rejoining the High Peak Trail to return to the cars. Two sections on the Pennine Bridleway have rough surfaces, each for about 500m which are steep, but each can be walked in 10 minutes. 

For this ride, Gravel or Hybrid bikes are best suited due to the distance, it's doable on mountain bikes, but may be hard going on knobbly tyres due to the distance. 

Whilst the ascent may appear significant, we are all likely to need to walk up the climb from the Monsal Trail, otherwise the only other significant climb is on a reasonable quality surface out of Rowsley. Much of the remaining climbs are very gradual on the rail sections. We have plenty of time for the ride, expect a moving speed of no more than 10mph, and no one will be left behind. 

All but about 10km are on traffic free routes, but we will be on a main road for about 8kms, although some section have adjacent shared pathways.

Should you have any questions about the route please message the leader.

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All photos taken by Leader.

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