2024-5 Self-Catering Holidays in the Peak District for Cyclists
1. Fabulous Cycle-Trails
One of the joys of cycling is exploring areas inaccessible by car—Derbyshire and the Peak District are ideal. Numerous cycle routes are available throughout Derbyshire and the Peak National Park. The trails around the reservoirs are an excellent option for family groups.
Cycle the 8-mile trail that circles Carsington Water or the longer 15-mile route around the Derwent Reservoirs. The Carsington trail is nearly all off-road, so it is ideal for family groups. There are also good eating facilities, toilets, and play facilities for children.
The Derwent trail is more challenging, with some steeper ascents and descents. Both also offer opportunities to see varied bird species, adding extra interest and the famous link with the World War Two Dam busters. Another of our favourites is the Monsal Trail, located at the edge of Bakewell to Blackwell Mill. The trail runs along the disused railway track, offers some stunning scenery, and allows riders to experience travel through the six dimly lit tunnels.
2. Choice of Terrains
The Peak District National Park offers different terrains – from easy-going to explorer and extended. The easy-going routes are traffic-free and ideal for beginners and mixed groups. The explore routes are more challenging and provide the opportunity to explore some of the ‘real Peak District’. The extended routes tend to cover multi-day cycles and are designed for more experienced riders.
The different levels of trails have multiple routes and are supported by GPX files. The GPX files contain location data, such as waypoints, routes, and tracks. They use a standard format that can be imported and read by multiple software and devices, such as smartphones and Google Maps, and can be excellent guides along the way.
The South Peak Loop for mountain bikers is a 70-mile route that helpfully split into sections. Peak HorsePower, a horse-riding advocacy group, created the great route. The route includes farm tracks, converted railway lines, and quiet country lanes. It takes In some beautiful sites along the way, including the Manifold Valley, Chatsworth and Chee Dale. A few riders complete the route in one day, but this is a steep challenge and leaves little time to enjoy the sights. Spreading over 2-3 days will allow a more leisurely ride exploring the varied landscapes and sites.
3. You Don’t Need to Bring a Bike With You.
Can’t you fit all the family’s bicycles in your car? No worries! There are plenty of places to hire cycles if you are not bringing your own. Carsington Water has a cycle hire centre, and bikes can be hired from Fairholmes Visitor Centre at Derwent Reservoir.
Hassop Station, located along the Monsal trail, offers a choice of cycles for hire, including electric bikes. Electric bikes are becoming more popular, allowing groups of different abilities to experience the same trails.
Peak District Holiday Cottages
Many accommodation providers in Derbyshire and the Peak District are keen to welcome cyclists. Several accommodation providers have secure cycle storage and washing facilities, which is ideal if you bring your own cycles. Holiday Cottages for cyclists should have enough bathrooms for hot showers or baths to soak tired legs after a day pedalling the trails in all weathers.
If you are hiring cycles, there are often better rates for longer hire periods, and it is worth asking if they can deliver directly to your holiday accommodation. Most accommodation providers can also point you toward cycle shops if needed. Many will have an attachable tug-along for infants or baby carriages, and even dog boxes are available to hire.
Owners like Derwent House, who are happy to welcome cyclists, will have a store of good advice on routes, places to visit, the best pubs and cafes on the trails, etc. Feel free to ask them when enquiring. They’ll be happy to help!
Where to Stay
Derwent House in Matlock
Suitable for: Large Families or Groups of Friends
Derwent House. Sleeps 12
Secure Cycle Racks at Derwent House, Matlock
With six bedrooms, five bathrooms (lashings of hot water), sleeping up to twelve, secure cycle racks, and washing facilities, this large and beautifully presented holiday cottage in Matlock is perfect for cycling holidays with friends or a large family.
Derwent House is handy for many other Peak District attractions, such as Chatsworth House and Alton Towers, making it perfect for holidays or weekends away for non-cycling holidays too.
Red Hurst @ Farditch Farm
Suitable for: Families or small groups of friends
Red Hurst- a Farm Cottage near Buxton. Sleeps 6
A charming three-bedroom rural holiday cottage at Farditch Farm in the picturesque Peak District village of Chelmorton near Buxton lies within easy reach of the Tissington and Monsall Trails.
For days and evenings when you are not in the saddle for days and evenings, superb rural views are to be enjoyed from the cottage from its private patio and BBQ terrace.
Derby Cottage @ Endamoor Farm
Suitable for: Couples
4-Star Derby Cottage is a beautifully restored barn in the countryside on a working farm outside Bakewell.
It’s a delightful and cosy bolthole for couples who want a warm, comfortable, and stylish base after a day’s pedalling in the Peaks.
It’s also within easy reach of the Tissington and Monsall Trails.
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Make Dunster Village Your Base When Holidaying on Exmoor
If you are planning Exmoor cottage holidays that combine the dual delights of the West Somerset coast and the Exmoor National Park, then book a holiday cottage in Dunster. Stepping into the historic village of Dunster feels like travelling back in time, from medieval knights at the castle to the Victorian splendour of the steam railway. Set within beautiful Exmoor National Park, the village is the perfect base for a mini-break or longer discovering the beauty of the Moor. Here are five places and activities in and around Dunster not to miss:
Dunster – A spellbinding medieval village
Dunster High St and Yarn Market. Can you spot the holes made by cannonballs during the Civil War?
Make the most of Dunster’s historic village centre. On West Street, you’ll find Chatelaine with quirky antiques, Made in Dunster with beautiful handmade gifts, and the Chapel House Tea Rooms for great cakes. Carry on past the much-photographed Nunnery to the high street with its ancient Yarn Market and be fascinated by its history. Located in the centre of the village, here you can walk to Conygar Tower, mooch around the lovely independent shops, or stop for refreshments in one of the local cafes. For lunch, try the bar at the Luttrell Arms, and we recommend the award-winning Reeves Restaurant for a special dinner.
Romp through the ages at Dunster Castle
Romp through interesting and gory ages of English history in this ancient castle. Today’s building combines medieval and Victorian construction. There are unique leather wall hangings, an impressive carved staircase and spooky stories. If you’re interested in how Victorian staff lived and worked in a house of this scale, take the Attics and Basements tour. Outside, there are year-round activities for families, pretty gardens to explore, and a working watermill.
Chalets and ice creams at Dunster beach
Dunster Beach represents the seaside as it used to be - restored and cherished beach huts lining a pebble and sand beach. There are far-reaching views, with the beachfront stretching towards Minehead and Blue Anchor. It’s the perfect start (or end) to a lovely coastal walk – or just a great place to build a sandcastle or sit and enjoy the sights and sounds of the seaside - with ice creams, of course. There’s a beach shop that sells both.
The beaten and unbeaten tracks of Minehead
There’s a change of pace in Minehead, a vibrant town with a lovely long sandy beach, a promenade offering a range of attractions and an interesting harbour. For walkers, the SW Coastal Path starts in Minehead with the massive sculpture of a pair of hands holding a map. It’s an excellent place for local pubs, many of which are dog friendly. We recommend The Old Ship Aground at the end of the harbour. Try The Apple Tree Tea Rooms and the Creamery for tea and cake. For those dreaming of thatched cottages, find your way to St Michael’s Church and walk down the Church Steps – you really will be transported back in time in this beautiful and often-ignored part of the town.
Get lost in steam on the West Somerset Railway.
Go on a steam adventure, and let the kids imagine they are on Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express. The railway runs every day from May to September and regularly from February to November. The route stops on the way to Bishops Lydeard through beautiful countryside, past unspoiled villages and an expansive coastline, making it an exciting day trip for all ages.
Where to Stay
There are some lovely holiday cottages in Dunster and nearby Dunster Beach. Click here to view self-catering accommodation options for Dunster.
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