Head off the beaten track on an astounding loop of constant summits and plummets in the central High Peak, linking often unknown but unforgettable — and sometimes unbelievable — lanes around New Mills, Whaley Bridge and Chapel.
Route details
- Distance 23.1 miles / 37.2 km
- Elevation Gain 1012 m / 3319 ft
- Time allow 2 hours 30 minutes
- Difficulty Very Challenging
- Suited to Gravel Bike Hybrid Bike Mountain Bike Road Bike
- Notes All tarmac but with very sharp climbs and one short cobbled climb. Many very narrow single track lanes.
- Suggested Start SK22 4AA SJ 9995 8540
- Places Bagshaw, Blackbrook, Buxworth, Chapel Milton, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Cheshire, Cheshire East, Derbyshire, Disley, Eccles Pike, Gowhole, Hague Bar, High Peak, Kettleshulme, Malcoff, New Mills, Peaslows, Slackhall, Wash, Whaley Bridge
- Attributes Accessible by train, Bridges, Car parking, Circular loop, Ideal for electric bikes, Moors, Pocket Guide available, Pubs and cafés, Reservoirs, Rivers, Rural heritage, Steep climbs, Towns and villages, Views of hills and peaks, Views of open countryside
Preview map
How to unlock
To unlock just this route, buy the Hidden Hills in High Peak Pocket Guide & GPX, or see below to unlock the whole collection for a one-off contribution.
Pocket Guide & GPX
• Downloadable PDF route guides in both phone and printer-friendly formats – includes turn-by-turn directions, a custom-designed map, photos and points of interest
• Navigation files in GPX, TCX and FIT format
• Access to this website route guide
Support the website for £10 to access everything…
Become a Peaks & Puddles + supporter for a one-off contribution and you’ll get access to all these exclusive extra pages — plus downloadable, phone-friendly Pocket Guides and over 70 GPX navigation files to take along for the ride.
Peaks & Puddles +
• Cycle Routes Pocket Guide Collection
• Cycle Routes GPX Collection
• Access to all P+ website route guides
• One-off contribution, supporting my work and website running costs
What to expect
You’ll be provided immediately with the link to a hidden page where all these extra downloads and guides (marked P+) can be accessed. Return any time to access new and updated content just thanks to that single contribution. As an extra bonus, I’ve made sure “Plus” guide pages are completely ad-free.
Thanks for your support!
I’m reserving these extra original routes and pages exclusively for supporters. The one-off contribution supports my work and website costs, with miles of cycling inspiration in return. This online guidebook is still growing, I’m nowhere near done yet, so it’s a great investment in my future plans. Thank you!
Anthony
Original photography, words and design by Anthony Sheridan unless indicated otherwise. Found this guide helpful? Buy me a coffee to help keep the wheels turning!
The all-important disclaimer: While great care and attention has been put into gathering these routes, ensuring details are accurate and determining their suitability, all information should be used as a guide only and is not a replacement for using your own judgement or research when setting out on new adventures. Peaks & Puddles/the author cannot be held responsible for any issues that may arise from the riders own decision to ride a section of indicated route.
Always ensure your equipment is safe and legal for use and that you are well prepared, carrying everything necessary including access to a good map. Follow the Highway Code and the Countryside Code at all times. Respect the landscape, the wildlife and the people you encounter. And after all that, have fun!