Dark Peak MTB
Ride the Dark Peak trails of the Peak District in 3-4 days on a mountain biking holiday. We provide accommodation, luggage transfers and directions.
Dark Peak MTB
https://www.contourscycle.co.uk/dark-peak-mtb
Take on the best Peak District bridleways on this 61-mile-long self-guided mountain biking holiday, beginning and ending in Bamford.
From £440 per person
The imposing landscapes of the Peak District’s Dark Peak bristle with technical trails and massive views. On the worn remains of old drovers’ roads and along rocky bridleways, the Dark Peak Mountain Biking holiday involves brilliant trails across wide-open moors, with technical climbs leading to some fantastic descents on rocky trails and through wooded bridleways.
It’s an uncompromising route, circling Ladybower Reservoir and passing beneath Kinder Scout as it hunts out the very best trails in the region, taking in the descents at Jacob’s Ladder, Cave Dale, The Beast at Hope Cross, Lockerbrook, Chinley Churn and more. Every climb awards stunning views over the National Park: the perfect backdrop for long, exhilarating descents over hard-packed earth and stretches of bedrock beneath.
You’re sure to arrive at each overnight stop windswept, muddy, and grinning ear to ear. Our full-route holidays take place over 3–4 days, or you can check out our Dark Peak Short Break option to cram your ride into a weekend.
Tackling the wide range of adrenaline-charged descents, on rocks, roots natural drop-offs and berms.
Making the most of the ancient eroded roads that crisscross the Peaks and provide endless technical fun.
Stopping for a snack at Whinstone Lee Tor, well up above Ladybower Reservoir, with great views in all directions.
| Code | Tour | Duration | Price per person | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-DP-MB1 | A circular trail beginning at Bamford | 3 days riding | £440 | |
| C-DP-MB2 | A circular trail beginning at Bamford | 4 days riding | £550 |
Travel to Bamford where your first night's accommodation has been booked
Bamford to Castleton. 18 miles (29km) / 2799 ft (853 m) ascent
Castleton to Hayfield. 21.5 miles (34.5km) / 3412 ft (1040 m) ascent
Hayfield to Bamford. 22 miles (35km) / 3333 ft (1016 m) ascent
Depart from Bamford after breakfast
The daily mileages quoted are average trail miles only and do not include the distance from the trail to your accommodation. We do not expect you to have to travel more than 2.5 miles from the trail to your accommodation.
Below are the additional costs that may apply depending on your requirements. Our standard prices per person are based upon two people sharing a room; if you are on your own, or are part of a group but require a room of your own, then the Solo Traveller or Single Supplements apply respectively:
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:
You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:
Favouring gradual ascents where possible, the Dark Peak Mountain Biking route rises to several long descents and a few more abrupt downhill sections. Flatter trails along the shore of the reservoir offer a good opportunity to catch your breath after the downhills and prepare for the next climb.
The Dark Peak MTB route favours unsurfaced terrain along bridleways and byways. Expect a mix of rocky, technical terrain; muddy, rooty pathways across the moors; and some less technical surfaces of grit and hard-packed soil. The trail avoids tarmac where possible, save a few linking sections and the run down into town to overnight accommodation.
We recommend you have experience riding off road before attempting the Dark Peak MTB route. You’ll need a capable mountain bike to ride these off-road trails, especially the more challenging sections.
To find out more about the weather forecast for your chosen holiday's general location, please see the following websites:
