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James Irwin

About James Irwin

https://bikegarage.co.uk

Posts by James Irwin:

Trail Preview – Dogs Bollocks Wharncliffe Woods

Trail Preview – Dogs Bollocks Wharncliffe Woods

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Even Logging Couldn’t Kill This Wharncliffe Classic.

📍Dogs Bollox – Wharncliffe Woods

TrailForks Link

With a tweaked start and now a much more open middle section 😎, it combines many of the best bits of Wharny—a techy rock section, steep in places, and following berms.

 

Wharncliffe Woods features numerous technical trails, many of which we have featured.

Trail Preview | Alec and Thora

Trail Preview | Deepcar Decent

Trail Preview | Peaty’s into Shuffle Truffle

60 Seconds of Muddy Wharncliffe Trails

Trail Preview | 4 Favorites

Trail Preview | Rake & Bake

Trail Preview | The Dogs Bollocks – Pre Logging

 

Bike Garage Awarded Travellers Choice 2026 Award

Bike Garage Awarded Travellers Choice 2026 Award

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Thank You, Peak District Riders! Bike Garage Receives 2026 TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award

We are incredibly grateful to share that Bike Garage has been recognised with a TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Award for 2026. This marks the sixth year in a row that we’ve received this honour, placing our small bike hire and service hub among the top 10% of hospitality listings worldwide.

Because this award is based entirely on the reviews and ratings left by visitors over the past year, it means the world to us. We don’t do what we do for accolades, but knowing that our guests had a great time out on the Peak District trails is the ultimate reward.

The Peak District’s Top-Ranked Equipment Hire Hub

Our goal has always been simple: to provide reliable, good-quality bikes and straightforward, helpful service so you can enjoy the stunning scenery around us. Whether you are renting a Trek e-bike for a relaxed loop around Ladybower Reservoir

Or bring your own bike into our workshop for a quick tune-up; we just want to make sure your ride is smooth and safe.

According to our recent visitors, it’s the little things that seem to help the most—like taking a few extra minutes to help map out a route or adjusting a bike’s setup so it feels just right.

“Friendly, helpful, and straightforward. The bikes were immaculate and the route advice was spot on.” — Recent Visitor Review

Bike Garage Trip Advisor Travellers' Choice

A Sincere Thank You

A massive thank-you to everyone who took the time to leave a review, recommend us to a friend, or simply rent a bike from us over the past year. As a small local business, we rely on your support to keep us going.

Whether you’re a regular familiar with the Peak District or a first-time visitor, we look forward to helping you gear up for your next ride. Thank you for making 2026 another memorable year for us!

Planning your next Peak District adventure? Book your bike hire online today or come visit our Workshop to get trail-ready.

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A few of our favourite reviews from the last 12 months

Best bike ride ever

May 2026 • Friends
Celebrating my brother’s birthday and he said it was his best bike ride ever.
Great bikes, fab route and lovely 3 hour day out
Thanks James and the team

Probably the best bike hire and shop in the UK

Apr 2026 • Friends
We’ve used the Bike Garage for hire, advice and local knowledge 3 times now on our annual mountain biking trips.

James and the team offer an unmatched service. The bikes are maintained to an impeccable standard and James and team always go the extra mile to make our biking holiday absolutely perfect, always only too pleased to offer help and advice.

If you’re heading to the peaks, then look no further!

Thanks again James!
We’ll definitely see you next time!

Glorious Ebiking day in the Peaks

Apr 2026
I hired Ebikes for myself and 20 year old granddaughter from the Bike Garage for a whole day. The bikes were waiting for us already set up ready to go. As my granddaughter was a novice rider James took considerable time explaining the workings of the bike and giving sound advice. He offered a route that he felt was best for our level of experience. The day cycling around the reservoirs was sensational!! The GPS was such a great assistance. The Bike Garage is a fantastic professional set up. I cannot recommend it highly enough and cannot wait to go back again. Next time we hope to take on a more challenging route guided again by James’ sound advice.

Excellent Rental, Service and information

Apr 2026 • Friends
Flawless Experience at Bike Garage!
I can’t recommend Bike Garage enough.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free day on the trails, this is the place to go.

The Bike
I rented a full-suspension Trek mountain bike, and it was absolutely flawless. The equipment is top-tier and clearly well-maintained, which made a huge difference in the quality of the ride.

The Service
The team here provides excellent service. Everyone was super friendly and genuinely helpful, making sure we had everything we needed before heading out.

Why Choose Them?

Location: They have fantastic trails right from the door that cater to all skill levels and fitness points.

Resources: The detailed trail information and GPX files available on their website are brilliant. It was actually the quality of this info that made us decide to hire from them in the first place.

Convenience: Having a big car park on-site makes the logistics of bike hire incredibly easy.

I will definitely be back. If you’re in the area and want a great day on two wheels, look no further!
Trail Preview – Hollies Bush Wharncliffe Woods

Trail Preview – Hollies Bush Wharncliffe Woods

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Starting from near the top of Fast Track in Old Wharncliffe. This old-school classic has been tweaked in recent years with rock features, tight switchbacks, and flowing turns. This trail will keep you on your toes. Thanks to the trail builders.

 

Wharncliffe Woods features numerous technical trails, many of which we have featured.

Trail Preview | Alec and Thora

Trail Preview | Deepcar Decent

Trail Preview | Peaty’s into Shuffle Truffle

60 Seconds of Muddy Wharncliffe Trails

Trail Preview | 4 Favorites

Trail Preview | Rake & Bake

Trail Preview | The Dogs Bollocks

 

Trail Preview – The Beast, Ride the rock

Trail Preview – The Beast, Ride the rock

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Has spring sprung? 🙏 A quick lap of the Beast, a popular choice for mountain bikers for decades, is one of our favourites. Not the most technical, but enough to keep you on your toes. And easy to add into loads of routes using the climb up Elmin Pits, thanks to Peak District MTB

6 Years ago we did a full trail preview video with Billy from Cafe Adventure

The trail features in many of our routes see below for some examples.

Two routes that feature the Beast 

The Beast of Hope Cross
Difficulty: Medium
Length: 11 miles (17.7km)
Elevation Gain: 1,220ft (370m)

This ride is a perfect sample of the Peak District and the variety of trails it offers, from the old railway lines of the Thornhill Trail to the rocky technical descents of The Beast.

The 11 mile loop has something for everyone and provides some incredible views. Over the Mam Tor Ridgeline. The Beast descent is challenging and does require a certain amount of bike control and confidence.  Large rocks and loose stones can throw experienced riders off however it is a brilliant descent if you have the confidence.

Caves and Castles
Difficulty: Challenging
Length: 24 Miles (38km)
Elevation Gain: 4,500ft (1370m)

 
This is a demanding loop with six significant climbs followed by six brilliant descents. There is a mix of every trail here from the fast flowing open grass descents of Win Hill to very technical boulder fields of Cavedale. Make sure you have your climbing legs as this route climbs almost 4,500ft (1,370m) over 24 miles (38km).

And could be easily linked to many others.

Freshly Prepped & Ready to Ride: Our Ex-Rental Hardtails are Here!

Freshly Prepped & Ready to Ride: Our Ex-Rental Hardtails are Here!

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All Hardtails are now sold. Please join our mailing list to find out when we have something for sale next. 

Why should you choose a Bike Garage Ex-Rental? Unlike many second-hand bikes, our offerings come with a “clean bill of health.” We fully service each bike to ensure it is ready to ride:

  • Thoroughly serviced the hubs and headsets.
  • Installed brand-new drivetrains, bottom brackets, cables, and outers.
  • Bled the brakes and fitted fresh pads.
  • Swapped in new tubeless tyres with fresh sealant and included a spare tube under the seat.
  • Performed a lower lube service on the forks.
  • Serviced the dropper and replaced the cable.
  • Replaced new grips and other components where required.

The Lineup: We currently have Trek Marlins 8 available in size below.

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Price: £525 (An absolute steal for a professionally maintained mountain bike!)

Custom Touches:

Each bike is prepared to order. If you’re looking for a setup that’s less aggressive for commuting or a specific configuration for bikepacking (these frames have excellent rack mounts!), just let us know, and we can adjust the specifications for you.

Why are we selling them?

We love these bikes, and each one has been meticulously cleaned and checked after every hire. We sell them after just one season to keep our rental fleet stocked with the latest models, meaning you get a modern, well-maintained bike at a fraction of the retail price.

Want to take a look?

Send us an email to arrange a visit, or give me a call on 01433 659345

You are welcome to sit on one to size it up or even take it for a quick test ride to ensure it’s the right fit for you.

 
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Conquer the Peaks: The Best E-Bike Routes in the Peak District

Conquer the Peaks: The Best E-Bike Routes in the Peak District

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​Whether you’re a seasoned mountain biker looking to squeeze more laps into your day or a casual rider wanting to conquer the Peak District’s legendary climbs without the leg-burn, e-bikes are a total game-changer.

At Bike Garage, we’ve spent years mapping out the best trails in the Dark Peak. To help you plan your next adventure, we’ve rounded up some of our favourite routes—all of which are perfectly suited for e-bikes.

Here are the best e-bike routes in the Peak District to add to your bucket list.

1. The “Big Day Out”: Stanage and Lady Cannings Explorer

Distance: 19.5 Miles | Elevation: 2,000ft | Difficulty: Medium

This is a quintessential Peak District loop that showcases the area’s variety. You’ll tackle historic packhorse routes, cruise along the iconic Stanage Edge, and enjoy the flowy, purpose-built trails at Lady Cannings.

  • The E-Bike Edge: The climb up to Stanage can be a slog on a traditional bike, but with a motor, you can focus on the incredible views over the Hope Valley rather than your heart rate.

 

Trek E-MTB on Lady Cannings Edge Peak District
Trek E-MTB on Lady Cannings Edge Peak District

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2. The Epic Scenery: Lords and Ladies

Distance: 21 Miles | Elevation: 2,150ft | Difficulty: Medium

If you want height and drama, this is the one. This route links the south of the Hope Valley with the famous Great Ridge. You’ll climb up toward Mam Tor and Lords Seat before a thrilling descent down Chapel Gate into the Edale Valley.

  • The E-Bike Edge: Reaching the ridge at Mam Tor usually requires a serious “granny gear” effort. On an e-bike, you’ll arrive at the top fresh and ready to enjoy one of the most technical and rewarding descents in the country.

3. The Family Favorite: Thornhill & Upper Derwent Valley

Distance: 2–23 Miles (Flexible) | Elevation: 1,475ft | Difficulty: Easy

Looking for something more relaxed? This traffic-free loop around the Ladybower, Derwent, and Howden reservoirs is stunning. It’s mostly flat with some gentle inclines, making it the perfect “intro to the Peaks” ride.

  • The E-Bike Edge: Because you can cover ground so much faster with pedal assist, you can easily complete the full triple-reservoir loop and still have plenty of battery left for a detour to the local pub

4. For the Adventurer: Chinley to Bamford (A to B)

Distance: 19 Miles | Elevation: 3,200ft | Difficulty: Challenging

This is a unique “point-to-point” ride. Hop on a quick 20-minute train journey from Bamford to Chinley, then ride back across the highest points of the Peak District. This route takes in a huge portion of the Peak District’s all-weather trails.

  • The E-Bike Edge: With over 3,000ft of climbing packed into 19 miles, this is a “Turbo Mode” kind of day. It’s a rugged, high-mountain experience that feels like a true expedition.

5. The Quick Blast: Shatton Mast

Distance: 7.2 Miles | Elevation: 850ft | Difficulty: Medium

Short on time? This route packs a punch. It features a great mix of singletrack and fast descents, all centered around the climb to the Shatton mast which offers 360-degree views of the National Park.

  • The E-Bike Edge: This is the perfect route for a “power hour.” While others are still grinding up the first hill, you’ll be starting your second lap.

View from WLT
Group on Frogatt Edge


6. Full Day Epic: Caves and Castles

Distance: 24 Miles | Elevation: 4494ft | Difficulty: Challenging

This challenging 24-mile loop is a Peak District masterpiece, featuring 4,500ft of elevation gain across six demanding climbs. Riders tackle iconic technical descents like Cavedale’s boulder fields and the flowy “Beast.” Starting in Bamford, it visits Mam Tor and Castleton, offering diverse terrain from rocky singletrack to fast, grassy slopes.

With 4,500ft of elevation, this is a demanding day out. See how an electric mountain bike can help you conquer this trail

Or

7. Perfect on a EMTB: Shatton Ladybower Enduro

Distance: 20 Miles | Elevation: 2998ft | Difficulty: Hard

This challenging 20-mile enduro loop packs 3,000ft of climbing and four rewarding descents. Highlights include the rocky “Spud Alley,” the berms of Hagg Farm, and technical singletrack at Bradwell Edge. Starting from Bamford, it offers stunning Hope Valley views and a perfect mid-ride refreshment stop in the village of Hope.

Trek E-MTB on Mam Tor Peak District
Trek E-MTB on Mam Tor Peak District

Ride Like a Pro: E-Bike Etiquette in the Peaks

The Peak District is a shared space. Because e-bikes allow us to go further and climb faster, it’s extra important that we ride responsibly to keep the trails open and friendly for everyone.

1. The “Be Nice, Say Hi” Rule
We’re big fans of the Peak District MTB “Be Nice, Say Hi” campaign. When approaching walkers or horse riders from behind, give a friendly shout or a ring of your bell well in advance.

2. Respect the Pace
E-bikes can accelerate quickly. When passing others—especially families with dogs or children—slow down to a walking pace. It keeps the vibes high and the trails safe.

3. Yield for Horses
If you encounter a horse and rider, stop. Ask the rider if it’s safe to pass. Horses can be startled by the subtle “whir” of an electric motor or a sudden movement. Giving them space ensures everyone stays in the saddle.

4. Stay on the Bridleways
Stick to the legal rights of way. E-bikes have more torque, which can cause extra wear on soft, “cheeky” trails. By sticking to the mapped bridleways, we protect the landscape and our access to it.

5. Battery Management
The Peak District is unforgiving. If your battery dies at the bottom of Cavedale, you’ve got a very heavy bike to push! Keep an eye on your range and remember: Eco mode is your friend on the flats so you have Turbo ready for the “walls.”

Ready to Ride?

Don’t have your own e-bike? No problem. You can hire a premium electric mountain bike directly from us at Bike Garage in Bamford.

Bonus Tip: Navigation in the Peaks can be tricky. We offer Wahoo GPS devices pre-loaded with all these routes (and more!) for hire, so you can focus on the trail ahead rather than staring at a map.

👉 View all our routes and download GPX files here

👉 Book your E-Bike Hire today

Bike Garage is officially a Trash Free Trails (TFT) Community Hub!

Bike Garage is officially a Trash Free Trails (TFT) Community Hub!

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Big News: We’re Turning Our Gears for Good! 🚲♻️

We’ve always believed that the best part of riding isn’t just the bike—it’s the incredible places those two wheels take us. That’s why we are beyond stoked to announce that Bike Garage is officially a Trash Free Trails (TFT) Community Hub!

What does this mean?

We’ve joined forces with Trash Free Trails and a global network of small businesses and organisations dedicated to one simple mission: protecting our local green spaces.

As a Community Hub, we aren’t just a bike shop anymore; we’re a basecamp for environmental stewardship. We’re here to help our local riders reconnect with nature and ensure that our favourite trails stay pristine for generations of shredders to come.

What’s on the Calendar?

We aren’t just talking the talk; we’re hitting the dirt. Over the next year, Bike Garage will host four amazing trail clean-up events. But it’s not just about picking up litter. We’re also contributing to the #StateOfOurTrails Report. This is where you get to put on your “citizen scientist” hat! By tracking what we find, we provide vital data that helps TFT understand the plastic pollution crisis on our trails and advocate for real change.

How Can You Get Involved?

Whether you’re a local legend on the climbs or a casual weekend cruiser, we need your help to #LeaveAPositiveTrace.

  • Join a Clean: Keep an eye on our socials for dates. We’ll provide the vibe (and the grabbers!); you provide the hands.

  • Become a Citizen Scientist: Help us collect data during our events to contribute to the national report.

  • Stop by the Shop: Pop in anytime to chat about our upcoming projects or find out how you can reduce your impact on every ride.

Our trails give us so much. It’s time we gave something back. Follow us for updates, grab a picker, and let’s get to work!

 

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Discover the Best of the Peak District: Our Hand-Picked MTB Routes!

Discover the Best of the Peak District: Our Hand-Picked MTB Routes!

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​We’ve ridden, tested, and hand-picked 11 incredible mountain bike routes, totaling over 217 miles of trails that all start and finish right at our shop door! Whether you’re a beginner looking for a scenic cruise or a seasoned rider hunting for a technical challenge, we have the perfect loop for you.

​Check out a breakdown of our Peak District routes by difficulty:

​🟢 Easy Ride

  • ​Route 6: Thornhill/Upper Derwent Valley Trail
    • ​Distance: 2-23 Miles | Elevation: 1,475ft
    • ​A versatile, traffic-free loop perfect for all abilities. Cruise along the Thornhill Trail and circle the stunning Ladybower, Derwent, and Howden Reservoirs. Adjust the distance to suit your day!

​🟡 Medium Adventures

​Our medium routes offer a great mix of terrain and challenge, perfect for a solid day in the saddle:

  • ​Route 1: Shatton Mast
    • ​Distance: 7.2 Miles | Elevation: 850ft
    • ​A short, punchy route packed with great singletrack, fast descents, and superb views—ideal for a warm-up or a quick spin.
  • ​Route 2: The Beast of Hope Cross
    • ​Distance: 11 Miles | Elevation: 1,220ft
    • ​A perfect sampler of the Peak District, featuring a variety of trails from the old Thornhill railway line to the technical, rocky descents of ‘The Beast’ itself.
  • ​Route 3: Upper Derwent Classic
    • ​Distance: 17 Miles | Elevation: 1,770ft
    • ​A classic medium-distance loop that circles Ladybower and Derwent reservoirs, offering two significant climbs and descents amidst beautiful scenery.
  • ​Route 5: Stanage and Lady Cannings Explorer
    • ​Distance: 19.5 Miles | Elevation: 2,000ft
    • ​This explorer route mixes old packhorse routes, roads, and lanes, taking you past the iconic Stanage Edge and incorporating the flow trails at Lady Cannings.
  • ​Route 11: Lords and Ladies
    • ​Distance: 21 Miles | Elevation: 2,150ft
    • ​A medium-technical loop that links lanes and bridleways along the south of the Hope Valley, climbing up to Mam Tor and Lords Seat before a thrilling drop down Chapel Gate.
  • ​Route 10: Grindleford, Eyam and Edges
    • ​Distance: 27 Miles | Elevation: 3,375ft
    • ​A longer, less technical option that links lanes and light off-road tracks into the White Peak, looping back along the scenic Curber and Froggatt Edge.

​🟠 Medium/Challenging

  • ​Route 7: Hope Valley and Hucklow
    • ​Distance: 26 Miles | Elevation: 3,400ft
    • ​A long ride featuring classic Dark Peak climbs and descents, including breathtaking views. You’ll tackle Hope Cross, descend Jaggers Clough, and climb up toward Mam Tor.

​🔴 Hard/Challenging Epics

​Ready for a real test? These demanding loops cover significant distance and elevation, featuring technical terrain:

  • ​Route 4: Shatton Ladybower Enduro
    • ​Distance: 20 Miles | Elevation: 3,000ft
    • ​A challenging ride that rewards your effort with four brilliant descents, ranging from wide grass tracks to tight, exhilarating singletrack.
  • ​Route 8: Chinley to Bamford A to B
    • ​Distance: 19 Miles | Elevation: 3,200ft
    • ​A different type of ride: take a short train journey to Chinley, then enjoy 2+ hours of riding that hits the highest point in the Peak District and follows a great section of the all-weather route.
  • ​Route 9: Caves and Castle
    • ​Distance: 24 Miles | Elevation: 4,500ft
    • ​The most demanding loop on the list, featuring six significant climbs and six rewarding descents. Expect a mix of everything, from the fast, open grass of Win Hill to the very technical boulder fields of Cavedale.

​Need a Guide? Hire one of our Wahoo GPS devices, preloaded with all these routes for seamless navigation!

​For complete guides, elevation profiles, and GPX files for all 11 routes, visit our full routes page: www.bikegarage.co.uk/routes

 

Monkeyspoon.com Back Online

Monkeyspoon.com Back Online

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Monkeyspoon started 20 years ago as a website I created to practice my web editing skills during a time before social media and Instagram. It evolved into a platform for sharing our collective passion for mountain biking in the Peak District, as well as participating in races in nearby areas and beyond.

Over the years, Jeff and I, along with many others, have contributed content to the site. Although we don’t post new material frequently anymore, we decided to refresh the website because much of the trail and route information remains relevant.

Much of my trail knowledge for the Bike Garage routes came from decades of riding in the Peak District.

We both still live locally and continue to ride, being founding members of Peak District MTB, which acts as a voice for mountain bikers in the region and helps with trail maintenance.

Top Peak District MTB Winter Routes

Top Peak District MTB Winter Routes

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Our favourite Peak District Winter Routes

Given the often rocky nature of the trails in the north of the Peak District, the rocky trails of the Dark Peak are a safe bet for winter rides.  Conversely, the White Peak in the south can be treacherous, with limestone becoming slippery in the wet and trails often turning muddy and soft. For more enjoyable winter adventure, we recommend sticking to the northern trails, where the Gritstone offers excellent traction in the wet. 

We have picked out a number of the Peak District MTB Winter Routes from our online guides. Click the link to view each guide in full, including the GPX file, Elevation profile, full written guide, and link to the Komoot guide.

Stanage and Lady Cannings Explorer – Route 5

Difficulty: Medium

Length: 19.5 miles

Elevation: 2000ft

This reliable 19.5-mile route features a climb of just over 2,000 feet, offering stunning views of Stanage Edge and the enjoyment of Lady Cannings, not to mention the opportunity to indulge in some lovely ice cream from Thorpe Farm.

This ride caters to everyone, whether you’re looking for a shorter winter option. Or take a leisurely day enjoying the various pub stops along the way. With a mix of quiet lanes and wider, less technical gravel trails plus the trails at Lady Cannings, this route offers an excellent option for any weather conditions.

Route Guide

Chinley to Bamford A to B – Route 8

Difficulty: Challenging

Length: 19 Miles (30.5km)

Elevation Gain: 3,200ft (975m)

This is a different type of ride involving a short 20 minute train journey for 2+ hours of riding, taking in the highest point in the peak district and a good portion of the peak district all weather route. With the option for two coffee stops and roughly 2,500ft of descending there is something here for everyone to enjoy!

A twist on the classic PDMTB all weather loop. Using the train to Chinley and then a ride back over doing Jacobs Ladder and the kinder loop, before climbing Jagger Clough and descending the Beast.

Route Guide

Lords and Ladies – Route 11

Difficulty: Medium

Length: 21 miles

Elevation: 2,150 ft

A middle distance, medium technical loop linking lanes, off-road tracks, & Bridleways along the south of the Hope Valley before climbing up onto Mam Tor and Lords Seat. Before dropping down Chapel Gate into the Edale Valley.
This is a great route for those looking for a varied route that covers a good variety of trails and landscapes. It is shorter than some of the other routes and less technical.

Route Guide

Grindleford, Eyam and Edges – Route 10

Difficulty: Medium

Length: 27 miles

Elevation: 3375 ft

A longer but less technical loop linking lanes and light off-road tracks into the White Peak. Before looping back around and returning along Curber and Froggatt Edge. With the mixture of road and light off-road, this would make a good option for a winter loop to get some miles in the legs.

Route Guide

If you’re looking for more inspiration, be sure to visit our routes page.

 

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