Start: Various points – Parsley Hay, Middletop, smaller car parks along the route
Distance: 17 miles
Terrain: Off road, traffic free
Bike Types: Mountain bikes, Hybrid, Road Bike
Grading : Easy
The High Peak Railway line opened in 1831 and was designed to carry minerals and products between Cromford Canal and Peak Forest Canal. After the closure of the line, the Peak District National Park bought the route in 1971 and opened it into a traffic free trail for cyclists, horse riders and walkers.
The High Peak Trail runs for 17 miles from Dowlow (53.2059°N 1.8349°W) near Buxton to High Peak Junction at Cromford (53.1004°N 1.5354°W). The two main visitor centres are at Parsely Hay and Middleton Top where there is cafes, toilets and bike hire. There are a number of free and paid smaller car parks along the route too.
The trail gives you stunning vistas of the Derbyshire Dales countryside between Middleton Top and Parsley Hay and there are carpets of wildflowers ( grow your own! ) during spring and summer in the area. Because it is traffic-free for walkers and cyclists this trail has an abundance of wildlife – also an abundance of wildflowers in spring and the summer.
From Middleton Top, the trail climbs the short, Hopton incline then follows a long, stone-built causeway into White Peak Country. As you cycle you’ll take in stunning views and travel through some craggy cuttings on the way to Parsley Hay.
If you want to hire bicycles, Parsley Hay bike hire centre is eight miles south of the town of Buxton and reached via the A515 from Buxton and Ashbourne, Parsley Hay is an ideal starting point for exploring the Peak District area. No booking is required
Some places of Interest
Black Rocks . This feature is a well weathered outcrop of Ashover grit reached by a short steep climb. The climb onto the grit stone outcrop of Black Rocks gives you astonishing views over the area. Sign posted markers take you through Forestry Commission woodlands in Cromford Moor. Beautiful and varied countryside can be accessed including the High Peak Trail.
Cromford Wharf. Around the wharf area there used to be a warehouse, weighing machine, saw pit, counting houses, stables and a blacksmiths. The location is just right for a casual stroll, a nature walk for relaxation or a longer walk if so desired. Following the towpath for about a mile you will arrive at High Peak Junction where there are welcome drinks, refreshments, gifts and a good selection of maps, walking leaflets and interesting books.
There is lots of wildlife in the area and also a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Varieties of water fowl and water voles can be spotted all year round. The summer brings out dragonflies, damselflies and hoverflies .There is a narrow boat called Birdswood and runs on scheduled trips all year long by the Friends of Cromford Canal and is open to the public.
A Changing Places toilet is available for use by the public in the Car Park at Cromford Wharf.
Route Map and GPX
High Peak Trail Accommodation
Riverbank House, Matlock We are ideally placed for exploring the Peak District and a just a short drive from Bakewell, Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall and Alton Towers.
Parsons House B&B, Buxton Not your average B&B this place is as quirky as it gets with great service too.
Hoe Grange Holidays, Matlock Situated on the edge of the Derbyshire Peak District, Hoe Grange has a range of log cabins, glamping pods and a vintage Gypsy caravan. Relax after a hard days cycling with a soak in a hot tub or sauna, Marvel in the fantastic views, and access the trail network direct from the farm fields. Secure cycle storage with power to recharge your e-bike.
More Information
There are cycle hire centres and bike shops at Middleton Top and Parsley Hay in addition to toilets and refreshments.
See also the High Peak Trail Map
For other trails in the area see The Carsington Water Cycle Trail
