DAY 1 - Matlock to Chesterfield (via Chatsworth House) (36km)

Riders take a short but challenging venture out on the bike, up the dale and on the moorland before reaching Chatsworth House. The scenery over the moorlands is excellent and the grounds around Chatsworth House are well worth a look. Before the day’s end at Chesterfield, we head to Curbar Edge, one of the stunning vantage points overseeing the Peak District.

DAY 2 - Chesterfield to Matlock (via High Peak trail) (50km)

Heading out of Matlock encounter a steep climb up to the spectacular High Peak Trail and along to Middleton Top, taking in the expansive views along the way. After taking a steep decent off the High Peak trail we navigating our way around the picturesque Carsington Water where we stop for lunch and some free time to enjoy the peaceful surrounds of the lake. After lunch we we ride along bridleways and backroads to Ashbourne.

DAY 3 - Matlock to Buxton (60km)

This great day in the saddle starts with a climb out of Matlock as we head up to the famous Middleton Top. Thankfully that is the end of the hard climbs as we take a steep decent down from Middleton Top and navigate our way around the picturesque Carsington Water where we stop for some free time. Lunch is at the picturesque village of Tissington where we join the very enjoyle and flat Tissington trail on National Cycle Route no.68 - which runs the length of the Peak district. Taking on a couple of hills then sees us reach Buxton, famous for its spring water. Here you can check out one of the many attractions like the Pavilion Gardens, the Pooles Cavern caves and Buxton Crescent. It’s a day on a magnificent disused rail line with epic scenary!

DAY 4 - Buxton to Matlock (34km)

On Day 4 we start out taking an almost entirely traffic-free route, 30km along the famous Monsal trail. The flat trail offers a relaxing time on the bike with some great scenery. There will be a chance to cycle over the spectacular Monsal Viaduct and also chomp down on a delicious tart in Bakewell! After lunch it’s a short ride to the finish at Matlock, topping off some of the best four days’ tour cycling you are likely to have in Britain.

Grading

Intermediate/Challenging Adventure 4/5. This ride is graded as intermediate/challenging because whilst we use flat cycle trails and the ride distance is manageable (for a semi-regular rider with medium fitness), there are numerous hilly sections to encounter.

Terrain and Elevation

The ride has challenging sections in the hills (this is the Peak District!) although every effort is made to use the numerous flat disused railway lines.