High Peak Trail cycling guide
The High Peak Trail is a 17.5 mile (27km) trail, running from Dowlow (near Buxton) to High Peak Junction (at Cromford). It is traffic-free and has a crushed limestone surface, making it suitable for all users (walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchairs). The elevated nature of the trail allows to enjoy some of Derbyshire’s finest countryside all year around with amazing views.
Cycling the High Peak Trail
The High Peak Trail is great for cycling because it is traffic-free and has a crushed limestone surface which is mostly flat and even. When raining, mudguards are advisable. At some places along the route it can be quite narrow and there are some gates where cyclists have to dismount to get through. The trail can be divided in 7 parts:
- High Peak Junction to Black Rocks - 1.5 miles
- Black Rocks to Middleton Top - 1.0 miles
- Middleton Top to Minninglow - 6.5 miles
- Minninglow to Friden - 2.5 miles
- Friden to Parsley Hay - 2.5 miles
- Parsley Hay to Hurdlow - 2.0 miles
- Hurdlow to End of trail - 1.5 miles
The map below shows in more detail how the High Peak Trail runs and how it connects to Carsington Water, the Tissington Trail and the Manifold Track:
Source: Peakdistrict.gov.uk
Hiring a bike for the High Peak Trail
Visitors that want to hire bikes along the High Peak Trail can do this in Parsley Hay and in Middleton Top:
- Parsley Hay Cycle Hire, Parsley Hay - More info
- Middleton Top Cycle Hire, Middleton Top
Both have different types of bikes available for hire such as regular bikes, childs bikes, and tandems.
History of the High Peak Trail
The High Peak Trail follows the former Cromford and High Peak Railway, which was built between 1825 and 1830, and which opened in 1831. This railway was one of the first railways in the world linking the Peak Forest Canal with the Cromford Canal, and mainly designed to carry minerals and goods. After the closure of the railway in 1967, the Peak Park Planning Board and Derbyshire County Council bought the route in 1971 and converted the section south of Buxton into the High Peak Trail.
Access and facilities of the High Peak Trail
-
Hurdlow:
- Parking
- Level access onto the trail
- Picnic tables
-
Parsley Hay:
- Bike hire
- Parking
- Direct access from parking to the trail
- Picnic tables
- Toilets
- Visitor information
-
Friden:
- Parking
- Level access onto the trail
- Picnic table
-
Minninglow:
- Parking
- Level access onto the trail
- Picnic tables
-
Middleton Top:
- Bike hire
- Parking
- Toilets
- Visitor centre
-
Black Rocks:
- Parking
- Toilets
- Shop for light refreshments
- High Peak Junction:
- Nearby parking (Lea Road car park, accessible by footbridge)
- Picnic tables
- Visitor centre
- Shop for light refreshments
Things to see and do along the High Peak Trail
- Neolithic henge monument of Arbor Low (Parsley Hay)
- Middleton Top Engine House (Middleton Top)
- Hopton Tunnel and Hopton Incline (Hopton)
- Wildlife (Black Rocks)
- National Stone Centre (Wirksworth)
- Wirksworth Heritage Centre (Wirksworth)
- High Peak Junction Workshops (High Peak Junction)
- Steeple Grange Light Railway (Bolehill)
High Peak Trail FAQ
How long is the High Peak Trail?
The High Peak Trail is a 17.5 mile (27km) trail, running from Dowlow (near Buxton) to High Peak Junction (at Cromford).
Where does the High Peak Trail start?
The High Peak Trail runs from Dowlow (near Buxton) to High Peak Junction (at Cromford). There are several other places where you can join the trail as well (Black Rocks, Middleton Top, Minninglow, Friden, Parsley Hay and Hurdlow).
Can you walk the High Peak Trail?
Yes, the High Peak Trail is suitable for all users, including walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchairs.
Are dogs allowed on the High Peak Trail?
Yes, dogs are allowed on the High Peak Trail.