Peak District

[markcp]

Hi,

I'm meeting some friends to go mountain biking in the Peak District at the end of Feb. None of us have really ridden in this area previously so does anyone have any suggestions as to where to ride?

We're mixed ability but all reasonably fit so looking for something that will be fun and challenging.

In addition, does anyone have any recommendations for pubs, etc to stay in for a night?

Thanks.

[Rouleur]

This is a pretty good route if some of your group aren't particularly experienced, there's some good trails in there but nothing too tricky http://www.peakdistrictinformation.com/outdoors/cy...

A level or two up http://www.peakdistrictinformation.com/outdoors/cy...

This one is more of a challenge! http://www.peakdistrictinformation.com/outdoors/cy...


This place has a great reputation http://www.woodbine-hope.co.uk/

[rufusruffcutt]

Any of the routes on this page are superb. But keep an eye on the weather before deciding which.

http://www.flattyresmtbroutes.com/NorthMidlandsRou...

[Theoldfm]

There are some fantastic routes in the peaks - especially the dark peak around Hope / Castleton / Langset / Hayfield etc

Your best bet is to find a B&B in Hope as there are some good pubs there and you are pretty central for some of the best routes.

Have a look in the MTB guides for:

> Jacobs Ladder / Hayfield circuit
> Cut Gate
> Ladybower circuit etc

These really are some of the best natural routes in the country. As the dark peak is mainly millstone grit, there is usually quite a bit of grip to be found, although it can get very peaty / muddy this time of the year unless there has been a hard frost.

It is mint though!

[RRS_Staffs]

Bits of the Peak will be a bog
In fact ARE a bog at the moment

Cut Gate is superb but I would leave till its drier
Similarly the east side of Ladybower/Derwent reservoirs (Cutthroat Bridge side particularly) however that still leaves plenty of mileage around the rest of the reservoir complex, sugest Lockerbrook, Hagg Farm as good descents - easy to build a route around them, the 'Beast' if youre brave and Roman Road down from Hope Cross to Hope if youre not

Edale to Hayfield looks good
Climbing Jacobs Ladder is a errrrm challenge and its rocky down the other side but a good hoot
Suggest carrying on north to the reservoir to extend before dropping into Hayfield for a burger*
Return via Roych Clough jolly good too but avoid the Chapel Gate descent back to Edale

• = Hora will advise further, please god dont tell them on STW that one of their own drives a RR Sport LMAO although I have gone native on that board much like an undercover hippy sh4gging cop