Peak District Cycle Shuttle Launches

We’ve just had word that a new cycle shuttle service will be starting this week – taking riders and their bikes from Matlock and Buxton railway stations to places like Middleton Top (the start of the Pennine Bridleway, or the High Peak Trail). While it looks like it’s being run for families and leisure riders (rather than ‘career mountain bikers’ like us lot, right?) it’s always good to see this kind of thing.

We’ll expect reports on the forum please! The service will run Wednesday to Sundays until October.

Here are the details for you:

The Peak Cycle Shuttle will collect passengers, including local residents and visitors, from railway stations at Matlock and Buxton. The vehicle is equipped to carry passengers and bikes, with a driver on hand to assist with loading.

Avoiding the need to cycle on roads, the service will offer at least four hours to explore some of the most beautiful routes in the UK:

• High Peak Trail: a 17-mile route between Cromford and Dowlow, offering big skies and expansive views across to the Staffordshire moorlands. Use the shuttle to travel from Matlock to Middleton Top, or from Buxton to Parsley Hay to access the High Peak Trail

• Monsal Trail: 8.5-mile route between Bakewell and Wyedale, once part of the Derby to Manchester Railway, passing through six railway tunnels. A great option for families, the shuttle can connect from Matlock to Bakewell, or from Buxton to Wyedale, to access this trail

• Tissington Trail: 13-mile route from Parsley Hay to Ashbourne that once formed the Ashbourne branch of the High Peak Railway. It passes through the estate village of Tissington and ends in Ashbourne, home of the famous Shrovetide football match. Take the shuttle from Matlock or Buxton to Parsley Hay

For people arriving by train, the service is designed to connect with train arrival and departure times. Operating Wednesday to Sunday, tickets start from £7 return per adult or £3.50 per child under 14.

For those without their own bikes, the Peak Cycle Shuttle also takes passengers from Matlock and Buxton to cycle hire centres at Parsley Hay, close to the High Peak or Tissington trails, or Fairholmes in the Upper Derwent Valley, near to the trails that run alongside the Ladybower, Derwent and Howden reservoirs. Cycle hire prices start from £13 per adultor £9 per child under 14. Passengers arriving on the shuttle will enjoy a 10% discount at the hire centres, which stock a range of cycles, tandems and accessories such as child buggies and baby seats.

The service, operated by Bakewell and Eyam Community Transport and supported by the Peak District National Park Authority, will run until the end of October 2015.

Cllr Lesley Roberts, chair of the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “The new Peak Cycle Shuttle is a great way to enjoy cycling on traffic-free trails through some of the most beautiful scenery you will find anywhere. It’s the perfect excuse to leave the car at home and make the most of the countryside. And because the service has been designed to work with the train timetables, there should be minimum waiting time and maximum enjoyment time.’’

Edwina Edwards, chief executive of Bakewell and Eyam Community Transport, said: “Our bespoke vehicles can carry passengers with or without their bikes and our helpful drivers are on hand to assist with loading. This service is ideal for occasional or novice cyclists looking for a safe place to have fun on two wheels. We look forward to welcoming you onboard during summer.”

And with that, it’s inspired this week’s Poll.

[poll id=”549″]

Bookable online up to 48 hours in advance, further information can be found at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/cycleshuttle