Rides, rides and more rides... Never enough time!
The Peak District and in particular the Hope Valley and surrounding areas is quickly becoming recognised as a hot bed for natural mountain biking in the UK, In the most part its rocky terrain makes it rideable all year round, whilst also making the riding technically interesting. Its popularity in turn leads to better riding, with groups such as Peak District MTB working tirelessly to maintain the many trails whilst always looking to introduce more
Our Favourite Segments
1 - The Beast
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Difficulty = 4 of 5
Fun factor = 3 of 5
Bragging rights = 5 of 5
Terrain Type - Loose boulders, protruding bedrock, rock steps and hub height dropsÂ
A quarter of a mile of arm and leg burning, rock flying boulder dashing, although set in Idyllic woodland the Beast is definitely not for the faint hearted, It is a true right of passage in Peak District MTB and one to tick of the list rather than to include on your weekly rides, Whilst best ridden hard and fast, it is still possible to amble down without any committed risks
2 - Mam Tor
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Difficulty = 3 of 5
Fun factor = 5 of 5
Bragging rights = 3 of 5
Terrain Type - Hard pack, slabs, ruts and rocks
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Arguably the best view in the Peak District, the great ridgeline looking over both the Vale of Edale and the Hope Valley. The riding is simply fantastic which ever way you tackle it, Besides the breathtaking scenery there is fast flowing singletrack, rutted tracks, slabs and rock drops a plenty. The technical level varies depending upon your approach. You can ride it like a champ, flying off the drops, tracking the ruts at warp speed or simply roll it out in the ready position giving this segment a blended 3 out of 5 on the tech o meter.
3 - Jacobs LadderÂ
Difficulty = 4.5 of 5
Fun factor = 4 of 5
Bragging rights = 5 of 5
Terrain Type - Rocky and Droppy
Another right of passage in Peak District MTB. Jacobs is the closest you can get to the highest spot in the park (Kinder Scout) by bike and there is no easy way to get there, but once you have made it, you are greatly rewarded with some of the remotest and spectacular views on offer. The downhill section itself is stunning. Whilst very technical with a qualifying drop in to boot, there are fast and smoother line choices in the first of the 2 sections. Splitting away from the walkers at the midway point, the 2nd section is yet another boulder dash with a few drops thrown in for good measure.
4 - Elmis Farm
Difficulty = 2 of 5
Fun factor = 4 of 5
Bragging rights = 2 of 5
Terrain Type - Loamy, muddy, roots with a little bit of rock thrown into the mix
Many will find this inclusion very controversial indeed. Mainly because its a recently introduced route intended as a climb, but through our own customer feedback we just love going down it. The area itself is super atmospheric and if you are lucky enough to get beems of sun breaking through the trees and bouncing off the moss covered farm ruins you are on for the perfect trophy photo. This descent begins as a loamy straight, rooty to the left and exposed drops to the right. Plenty to get the heart rate going. The middle section is again rooty as you twist and turn through the trees, entering the final fast and fun drop down to the river / reservoir.Â
5 - Stanage Edge
Difficulty = 4 of 5
Fun factor = 4 of 5
Bragging rights = 4 of 5
Terrain Type - Stable rocks
In its own right this is a fantastic and challenging descent that zig zags over rock slabs down the side of the famous bouldering spot of Stange Edge. Whilst you do have to remain committed to ride it safely there are not any sections where you are at serious risk to over exposure. It is techy, tough and great fun. The major downside is linking it up to other sections without having to pedal too much on the tarmac, but this can be done!
6 - Lockerbrook
Difficulty = 3 of 5
Fun factor = 5 of 5
Bragging rights = 3 of 5
Terrain Type - A great mix of single track, mud, rocks and forest tracks
Truth be told this segment starts a bit earlier than the above suggests and this is what gives it its nickname 'the screaming mile'. I often explain to our customers that sometimes tracks can become easier and feel smoother the faster you ride them, and riding this confidently epitomises that! Fast and fun with enough tech to keep you on your toes and off the brakes this is a Peak District classic! Also one of the most popular segments as shown by the 50k attempts above!
5 - Stanage Edge
Difficulty = 4 of 5
Fun factor = 4 of 5
Bragging rights = 4 of 5
Terrain Type - Stable rocks
In its own right this is a fantastic and challenging descent that zig zags over rock slabs down the side of the famous bouldering spot of Stange Edge. Whilst you do have to remain committed to ride it safely there are not any sections where you are at serious risk to over exposure. It is techy, tough and great fun. The major downside is linking it up to other sections without having to pedal too much on the tarmac, but this can be done!
7 - Cut Gate
Difficulty = 4.5 of 5
Fun factor = 4 of 5
Bragging rights = 5 of 5
Terrain Type - A great mix of single track, mud and rocks on the open moorlan
