We think the Peak District is one of the best places for leisure cycling.  The unique and varied landscape offers you a range of great cycling experiences – family-friendly trails, organised group tours, and longer routes for more experienced cyclists who are seeking some challenging hill climbs.

There are over 65 miles of easy-going trails for you to explore, hundreds of miles of quiet lanes as well as varied and challenging mountain bike routes. Keen road cyclists can enjoy some of the best iconic ‘cycling climbs’ of the Peak District – Winnats Pass, Monsal Head, Rowsley Bar, Curbar Edge and Holme Moss.

Pretty villages, superb views, interesting history, fascinating wildlife and geology – it’s all here for you to enjoy. You see, smell and hear a lot more when you’re travelling slowly by bike.

Take the family on off-road trails

Our first experiences of cycling in the Peak District were based around family days out with our children and friends. We go to nearby Monsal Trail Cycle Hire, at Hassop Station, Bakewell because they make it so easy. You can get tag-alongs and baby seats so the whole family can go and the staff can help you with any repairs to your own bikes. Turn up and ride – just bring ID. No need to book unless you fancy electric or tandem bicycles. You will ride through the spectacular tunnels and enjoy stunning views of Monsal Dale and Water cum Jolly Dale.  

We can also recommend child friendly and mainly flat, off road cycling trails further a field at Parsley Hay (Tissington Trail) and Carsington Water.  Both of these need to be booked in advance. 

Choose from a range of on-road cycling routes

Road cycling enthusiasts will probably wish to bring their bikes with them. Our friends Jane and Chris, seen below setting off from Darley House, are in this category.   They simply love cycling and do many annual sportifs including Mont Ventoux!  

Jane and Chris took a varied 30km route from Darley House through Chatsworth, on to Bakewell, up to Monyash and back through beautiful Winster. They definitely recommend the hot tub hire for relaxing in after this ride!

Glory Days Bikes, specialists in retro and vintage bike hire, recommend their “Journeys of Discovery” by bike – a series of circular road and trail routes.  The Peak District National Park  lists a range of itineraries on their Explorerslider, from easy to challenging, which are ideal for exploring slowly by bike.

​Darley House guests who want to plan their own cycle routes are very welcome to borrow the many maps and books of cycles routes and trails we have at the house.

Have a lightweight vintage bike delivered to your doorstep

We know that bringing your bikes is not always practical.  Glory Days Bikes can help with bike hire and deliver direct to Darley House.  Darley House guests pay just £40 a day and can get 4 days for the price of 3 – just let them know you are staying with us.  All their vintage bikes are made from lightweight steel tubing of British manufacture. You can also hire panniers, pumps and maps free of charge so you’re ready to explore. 

Or try mountain biking… 

There are some fabulous mountain biking routes in the Peak District too.  Flattyres – MTB  give well laid out maps and detailed instructions for routes in both the White and the Dark Peak.

If you are a beginner or want to improve your skills, or fancy a guided session Dolomite Training runs courses at all levels.  All instructors are professionally qualified with a wealth of experience in the Peak District. Open courses are bookable online and they offer 1:1 coaching and cater for group bookings. Darley House guests get £20 off bookings for groups of 4 or more.