Hi,
I'm looking to go with some friends to the Peak District... but we don't know where to go! Are there any trail centres that are any good? The trouble is, I'm not very good, so looking for some cross-country that isn't rock hard!
Can anyone help me out?
Dave
There aren't any trail centres in the Peak District-that's the fun of the place!
Have a look here for some routes, or get an OS map & go adventuring.
http://www.mountainbikerides.co.uk/
no trail centres in the Peak.
You could go to Lee or Cragg quarry (or both) I believe Guisburn forest is good, but also not in the Peak..
The riding around Marple/Roman Lakes isn't to silly, but its good fun
Everything around Hope/Edale/Ladybower is brilliant but its quite UP with some very rocky downs however its easy to navigate.
Have a look round for routes, pick an area you like the look of and post back up, I'm sure the locals will have advice!
Have a look for routes on Just Go Ride. In the winter months I'd stay around Hope/Edale/Ladybower, tends to survive better in the wet.
It can be pretty steep and technical though.
APF
email me stonster
Langsett Loop is a good introduction to Peaks riding, as its not too long or technical. Ladybower classic loop is another good one to try and there are a number of routes that start and finish in Hayfield.
Enjoy!
Best bet is to hook up with some regulars - if cruzheckler can show you around that's perfect. We also ride there quite often, email in profile.
There are LOTS of big pointy rocks, which will make you a better rider or put you off riding there ever again!
sonster - mountain biking doesn't mean trail centres. As others have said the whole challenge and beauty of the Peak District and Lakes, Quantocks, Dartmoor etc etc is because it's natural trails.
What you need to do is get some route advice here and/or do some googling.
There is nothing wrong with rockhard trails by the way, better than a soft bog.
Excellent book, available from lots of LBS and online.
18 Bikes in Hope sell it and they'll also be happy to point you in the direction of all the trails.
I'm new to the area as well and just started out doing some of the rides from Roman Lakes in Marple on my own. They have a little route book for a quid or so and the gpx files are available online as well.
I was actually hoping to go out today but seem to have woken up still feeling the effects of the last week of work.
I also would be happy to show people around, depending on times. If you want just email me.
Id recommend the same book and shop as crazy legs.
+1^^^^^
These are good value too - http://www.bikemaps.co.uk/peak_district.htm
For £2.80 you get 2-3 Routes per map, very clear instructions on reverse and also well mapped out
Ride the Kinder Circuit from Edale (clockwise)- its got everything for everyone with a lovely descent at the end/finale.
The book itself is worth its weight in gold as it helps your mind map your own mix and match later on in the larger area.
Ride the Kinder Circuit from EdaleHayfield (anti-clockwise)
not got round to doing it clockwise yet.
The descent down Jacobs to Edale is the only way. Any other suggestion and I'll get upset 
You should ride Cavedale, ideally when it's below freezing or raining. Really good descent to get you started.
The descent down Jacobs to Edale is the only wayTBH thats the black mark on the AC route but all the other descents (most of which I have done in the other direction) seem better AC
<edit> Justatheory that's not nice!
I was told that Cavedale is home to more than 100 species of slug .... maybe that's why it's so slippery
Cavedale is home to friendly (and complimentary) walkers. FACT
Most of the ones I've seen are quite friendly and impressed that you're riding a pushbike down something they can't walk down.
On balance, I prefer the anticlockwise version of the hayfield loop. But they're both good
I've used this site in the past to get an idea of what I'm letting myself into.
Managed to gracefully flip over the bars last time I attempted the first rocky bit of Cavedale. The (again friendly) walkers found it very amusing.
On balance I prefer the Clockwise version of the Hayfield Loop. Ride it Anticlockwise? I'd rather eat my own feet.
For your first trip to the Peaks I would highly recommend doing the 'Pain for pleasure' route on the map available here http://www.bikemaps.co.uk/ladybower.htm
It's easy to follow and has a bit of everything.
Stay here - http://www.edale-valley.co.uk/cpextended.php?campno=1
Has an awesome little cafe on site that sell full english breakie for about a fiver.
Opposite is the Old Nags Head pub which is always busy with good food and beers on tap too.
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