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.