Allow
Lanes and bridleways up, over and around the hills of New Mills make for challenging climbs, rewarding descents and stunning views of both country and town in this quick gravel-geared loop, taking in Brookbottom, Mellor, Thornsett, Birch Vale and Low Leighton.
Route details
- Distance
10.6 miles / 17.1 km - Elevation Gain
414 m / 1358 ft - Time allow 1 ½ hours
- Difficulty
Challenging - Terrain 7% Off-Road Path Traffic-free trails, towpaths & cycleways 77% Road Quieter lanes, sometimes brief busier roads 16% Unpaved Bumpier tracks & bridleways
- Suited to
Gravel Bike 
Hybrid Bike 
Mountain Bike - Notes Some bumpy bridleways and off-road tracks but nothing beyond gravel bike limits or too technical.
- Suggested Start New Mills SK22 4AQ SJ 9997 8554
- Places Birch Vale, Brookbottom, Cobden Edge, Derbyshire, Greater Manchester, High Peak, Mellor, New Mills, Ollersett, Thornsett
- Attributes Accessible by train, Bridges, Car parking, Circular loop, Ideal for electric bikes, Industrial heritage, Mud and puddles, Pubs and cafés, Rivers, Rural heritage, Short sharp climbs, Steep climbs, Towns and villages, Views of hills and peaks, Views of open countryside, Views of towns and cities
The complete Peaks & Puddles + route page includes introduction, route map, things to note, where to start, stage-by-stage description and photos.
I share interesting histories, key facts and original images of the route through the seasons both to give an idea of what to expect before you set off and to dig into the detail of the ride afterwards.
How to unlock
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&P+ website route guides
For a one-off contribution, supporting my work and website running costs.
What you’ll receive
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 original routes and extra 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!