From gentle traffic-free trails to challenging road climbs and mountain-bike adventures, the Peak District is a wonderful place to explore on two wheels.
Darley House makes an excellent base for a cycling holiday. Guests can join the White Peak Loop close to the house, enjoy family-firendly trails within a short drive or set out through the beautiful lanes and villages surrouning Darley Dale, Chatsworth and Bakewell.
Whether you are bringing your own bikes or would like to hire them locally, there are option for cyclists of all ages and abilities.
Explore the White Peak Loop from Darley House
The White Peak Loop is a spectacular circular walking and cycling route through the Darley Dales and the Peak District.
The route connects Matlock, Bakewell and Buxton and incorporates sections of the Monsal Trail and High Peak Trail. The complete loop is just over 42 miles with the majority away from public roads. However it is not an entirely flat, leisure trail: there are varied surfaces, several substantial climbs and a short sections where cyclists may need to walk their bikes.
The loop can be completed in the day by experienced cyclists or divided in to more leisurely sections. Best of all for our guests, it can be accessed locally from Darley Dale. making Darley House a particualrly convenient base from which to explore it.
Official route maps and a downloadable GPX file are available on the Visit Peak District website
Hire an e-bike with Peak E Pedals
Guests who would like some assistance with the Peak District’s hills can hire an electric bike or book a carefully planned e-bike experience with Peak E Pedals.
Peak E Pedals offers a wide choice of self-guided and guided routes, ranging from shorter introductory rides to full-day adventures. Their routes use quiet country lanes, traffic-free trails and tracks through some of the Peak District’s loveliest scenery.
Darley House guests receive a special discount with Peak E Pedals. Details of how to claim the discount are included in the guest information provided before your stay.
An e-bike can be an excellent option for mixed-ability groups, allowing friends and family to enjoy a ride together without everyone needing the same level of fitness or cycling experience.
Family cycling on the Monsal Trail
For an easy and memorable family day out, we recommend the Monsal Trail
Following a former railway line, this traffic-free trail passes through dramatic limestone dales, railway tunnels and across the magnificent Monsal Head viaduct. Its relatively gentle gradients make it suitable for families, occasional cyclists and anyone who would simply like to enjoy the landscape at a relaxed pace.
Bikes can be hired at Monsal Trail Cycle Hire at Hassop Station, near Bakewell. Its fleet includes adult and children’s bikes, e-bikes and family equipment such as child seats and trailers. There is also a café, shop and plenty of space to stop for refreshments before or after your ride.
Online booking is advisable during weekends, school holidays and other busy periods.
The Tissington and High Peak Trails
Another excellent option is to hire bikes at Parsley Hay, where the Tissington Trail meets the High Peak Trail.
Both trails follow former railway routes and offer long stretches of largely traffic-free cycling through open countryside.
Shorter out-and-back rides are ideal for families, while stronger cyclists can continue much farther along the connected trail network.
Road cycling from Darley House
Experienced road cyclists will find numerous rewarding routes directly from Darley House.
The surrounding lanes lead through Chatsworth, Bakewell, Monyash, Winster, Youlgreave and many other beautiful Peak District villages. Cyclists looking for a greater challenge can tackle some of the area’s best-known climbs, including Rowsley Bar, Curbar Gap, Monsal Head and Winnats Pass.
One of our favourite circular rides takes cyclists from Darley House towards Chatsworth and Bakewell before climbing towards Monyash and returning through Winster. The combination of steep hills, sweeping views and attractive villages makes this a memorable Peak District ride.
Guests are welcome to use the cycling maps and guidebooks provided at Darley House when planning their routes.
Bringing your own bikes
We know how valuable—and precious—bikes can be. Guests bringing their own bicycles are welcome to store them securely inside Darley House rather than leaving them outdoors or attached to a vehicle.
There is ample space for cycling groups, along with comfortable sitting rooms, a large kitchen and dining area, and plenty of room to relax together after a day’s riding.
Darley House sleeps up to 14 guests and is ideally placed for exploring the White Peak Loop, Monsal Trail, Chatsworth, Bakewell and the wider Peak District.
After a day of Peak District hills, you can return to the house, enjoy the gardens and plan the next day’s adventure.
Planning a Peak District cycling break?
Discover more about staying at Darley House and check our latest availability.
