The best cycling routes around Highlow

Touring cycling routes around Highlow are characterized by rolling hills, deep valleys, and gritstone edges, typical of the Peak District. You'll encounter varied terrain, from challenging climbs to scenic routes alongside reservoirs and through wooded areas, offering significant elevation changes and diverse natural features.

There are over 350 touring cycling routes available in the Highlow area, catering to various skill levels. This includes approximately 35 easy routes, 140 moderate routes, and nearly 180 difficult routes for more experienced cyclists.

Yes, Highlow offers around 35 easy touring cycling routes. While the region is known for its challenging terrain, there are options for those looking for a less strenuous ride. These routes typically feature gentler gradients and shorter distances.

For experienced touring cyclists seeking a challenge, Highlow has nearly 180 difficult routes. One such route is the Lady Canning's Plantation – Lady Canning's Bridleway loop from Hathersage, which covers over 37 km with significant elevation gain. Another demanding option is the Ladybower Reservoir – Derwent Dam East Tower loop from Hathersage, a 71 km ride with over 800 meters of climbing.

The touring cycling routes in Highlow are highly regarded by the komoot community, holding an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 400 reviews. More than 15,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore the region's varied terrain, often praising the challenging climbs and stunning views across the gritstone edges and reservoirs.

Yes, Highlow offers several longer touring cycling routes. For instance, the Edale, Bakewell & Chatsworth loop from Hathersage is a substantial 63.9 km trail that takes approximately 4 hours 40 minutes to complete, leading through scenic valleys and historic estates.

Highlow's touring cycling routes offer access to numerous scenic viewpoints and landmarks. You can find stunning vistas at Mam Tor summit and trig point, Lose Hill Summit, and the Trig point at Win Hill summit. The routes also pass through areas with notable natural features like the Cucklet Delf Natural Arch.

Many of the touring cycling routes in Highlow are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the popular Houndkirk Road, Stanage & Bamford loop from Hathersage and the scenic Ladybower loop from Hathersage.

Beyond the cycling routes themselves, the Highlow area is rich in natural attractions. You can explore fascinating geological features like Odin Mine, Robin Hood's Cave, and Blue John Cavern. The routes also offer views of large reservoirs and pass through deep valleys and wooded areas.

Given the region's characteristic rolling hills and deep valleys, touring cycling routes in Highlow often feature significant elevation gain. For example, the Houndkirk Road, Stanage & Bamford loop from Hathersage includes over 560 meters of climbing, while the longer Edale, Bakewell & Chatsworth loop from Hathersage has more than 1100 meters of ascent.

The duration of touring cycling routes in Highlow varies greatly depending on the distance and difficulty. Shorter, more challenging routes like the Houndkirk Road, Stanage & Bamford loop from Hathersage can take around 2 hours 24 minutes, while longer routes such as the Edale, Bakewell & Chatsworth loop from Hathersage might require about 4 hours 40 minutes.