The Peak District Riding Thread

MOC and I stayed in a nice cottage in Hope a couple of years ago, was quiet and a good base to get everywhere we went in April/May and it wasn't too touristy. I can dig out the details for you if you like - MOC comes from Derby and did his DoE in the Peaks so knows it like the back of his hand

There are quite a few camping barns, both YHA and independent in the area too - Hathersage and Abney are ones I've stayed at. Good value and a good bit warmer than camping in winter.

sounds good!

I'll keep an eye on this thread. My parents live near Chesterfield so I do a lot of riding around here.

Please don't feel you have to lay anything on especially - it was only if there were plans to head out that I could tag along with. I had half a mind to head up to Winnats Pass, so could always try that. You're probably right about the traffic - though I'm always surprised how quiet it can be off the beaten track.

I can't imagine any reason why I won't be out riding on that weekend and Matlock is as good a first destination as anywhere else.

A little more bumpage, it's this weekand and a good chance that we'll be in for some reasonable weather.

I can't imagine any reason why I won't be out riding on that weekend and Matlock is as good a first destination as anywhere else.

Brilliant! Will need to get my act together and book train tickets. Have a great ride this weekend.

Right, tomorrow at 11am it is, hope to see some people there. Weather looks to be decent.

I can't make it, but hope you folks have a cracker!

Hmm, rocked up at the station at 10.45 and hung around for half an hour but the only other people with bikes were head for trains rather than away.

Gf and I rode out for a bit anyway. Got into Baslow for lunch spotted some of her fellow DPFR club members doing the Grindleford Gallop so went and cheered them on as they passed over the top of Froggatt. Have returned early to do a spot of shopping so can waste tomorrow in the saddle instead. The weather was a bit gusty but pretty warm and plenty of sunshine around. Would have been a good day for a ride. Anyway, onto the next ride.

KT Bee - If you're still planning on coming up over Easter I'll get something organised from Matlock. Do you still want a crack at Winnats?
SFNR are looking to make use of the Good Friday to do a bigger ride with more of the day used so Saturday or Sunday would be good for me.

Oh - really sorry no-one showed

I have booked train tickets up for Easter- coming up on Thurs, leaving Sun evening, so Fri or Sat would be ideal - and Winnats would be great. Am coming geared - not too scared of distances or hills, but not super fast over either. Happy to start off further north if that's easier, would just need a bit longer to get there.

Your ride to Youlgreave and Middleton sounded lovely - absolutely love that bit of the world (I had a temp job surveying historic buildings round there). Belting up Cromford Hill sounds like much less fun.

Is this a private ride or can other 'southerners' come?, I need some hilly miles friday and saturday are very good for me.

KT Bee, best to call it Saturday and we'll go at a comfortable pace. Still start in Matlock as Winnats isn't too far from there, even going the nice way. I'll sort out a route for the day.

tonyme, I see no reason why other people can't join in.

OK, weather's taken a bit of a turn, but hopefully dry on Saturday. Unless there are any better suggestions I'll be at the bandstand in the park at 11.00 for a trip to Winnats Pass.

Bit of a turn?

I've just ridden through a fucking blizzard! Snow was drifting a foot up the back of my house and I couldn't see out for the snow!

With the windchill it's -4 this morning. I'm hoping the weather improves for next week, as I'm meant to be camping!

Brrrr! Well I'm still up for it as long as no snow, and I think I have another potential hardy cyclist to join us. 11 it is.

To be fair, if it is snowy then I don't reckon heading out into the Peak District on bikes will be a good idea.

Bit of a turn?

I've just ridden through a fucking blizzard! Snow was drifting a foot up the back of my house and I couldn't see out for the snow!

Are you sure it wasn't just part of your aura? ;)

To be fair, if it is snowy then I don't reckon heading out into the Peak District on bikes will be a good idea.

Indeed! Will PM my number in case. Fingers crossed.

Went out on a little pre-ride sharpener over to Matlock this morning and roads seemed pretty clear, if wet. Twice up Bank Road, but the last 100m of Riber defeated me.

Roads aroung Longnor are clear, mega snowdrifts roadside though!

Bank Road!! Nicely done.

The bus shelter at the top is a good place for a post-cycling sit before the train home.

Hmmm - I was a little unsure if I did the full Bank Road route - I stopped the first time at Smedley St, by the Council Offices (checked on street view and there is a bus stop there); the second time I continued up what becomes Rutland St, past the pub, but stopped about half way, as decided that it had stopped being Bank Road by that point.

Crikey. I never knew it was two roads, I've always just cycled away until I've run out of hill. :)

Indeed, Derbyshire's premiere bus shelter* is just a little further up, it'll face you as you near the end of Rutland Street. You were close!

Fingers crossed the weather holds in the Peaks tomorrow, and best o' luck with Winnats Pass if you're still on for heading out that way.

BBC Weather and MWIS all indicating a good day out.

Game on.