I’m heading over to Castleton in the next few weeks. What are the best rides in the immediate area riding from Castleton, up to roughly 30 miles.
Edit: I will be on an ebike so hills not an issue, just climbing over things 😂
Ta
Which one? If it's the one in the Peaks then Guy Kesteven did a route recently that includes plenty of local good bits.
https://www.polaris-bikewear.com/blogs/trail-of-the-month/may-2025-trail-of-the-month
Thanks Gribs that looks great - and yes Castleton Peak District
Thanks Gribs that looks great - and yes Castleton Peak District
Which is a good job, as there’s not much immediately round the other one except the Rochdale canal towpath and a half-finished bike path to the town centre.
Just checking that route above.
Do people ger arsey around the Peaks if you take short sections of path ie just to the top of Mam Tor, or cutting a little bit of road out just after Mam Tor?
Ta
People do get arsey in that part of the Peak, yes. e.g. if you wanted to take your ebike to the top of Mam Tor for the view on a weekend there would be 100s of walkers there.
Not really necessary as you get lovely views all round that ride, and you're not missing any secret descents off the top of Mam Tor.
No need or benefit going to the top of Mam Tor, in fact I’d avoid it if I can.
Hollins Cross on all directions are worth doing. As is linking up to Jaggers Clough and then Hope Cross/Hope Brink.
Cave Dale of course should be on the list. As should Bradwell Edge. Both down I should add. Even going round the back of the Cement Works makes a nice esoteric link up.
Oh and climb up the broken road is also the best way to go up to Mam Nick.
If you are on an ebike in Castleton you have most of the classic Dark Peak rides on your doorstep. You can do a tour of the valleys by taking the bridleway up to Hollins Cross then Backtor, Jaggers Clough, Hope Brink, Brad well Edge and Cavedale. Or do the first part of this ride to link into the Win Hill Classic (look online). Or up to Hollins Cross along the ridge (or the broken road) to Mam Nick to link into the classic Jacob's Ladder loop.
So this is what I’m thinking. Might be pushing my battery limits but lots of sections I could cut out. Planning it clockwise
https://imgur.com/gallery/4WRJzsA#ckOxu1W
No need or benefit going to the top of Mam Tor, in fact I’d avoid it if I can.
I walked the Edale skyline a few weeks ago with Mam Tor being towards the end of the route. I'd echo this sentiment, avoid it.
Looks good.
I don't personally rate the Coldwell Clough descent, and prefer the footpath off to the left.
Likewise the ascent on the Bridleway from Kinder Res to Broad Clough is much nicer than the direct ascent on your map. ( At least it's better on a bike, assume it is also better on an e bike)
Perhaps go up the road to Mam Nick then do the full Toboggan run/ Greenland's/Hollins X rather than just the last two bits of the Z ( obviously the road climb is a downside)
I'm not convinced the slog up Jagger's is worth it for that single descent ( a lot of which is on road) Either add The Beast in from hope cross and back up elmin pits; or do the Wiinhill halfpipe, back up Roman then down Hope Brink. A bit like the Greenland's Z, that gets you more off road bang fir your buck. Or bin the WinnHill entirely and add Bradwell instead
When you riding?
No need or benefit going to the top of Mam Tor,
There used to be if you wanted to try to clean the track from Hollins to the summit but now that they've resurfaced the steepest zigzag section of the path it's not really a viable option.
Was out on Friday, did pretty much the route I had planned, thanks for all your help.
Was nice to do some good old fashioned XC type riding, something I havent done much of recently on my ebike. One of my fav bits was actually the Cement Works and the climb out the back of it which was surprisingly technical given how dry everything was.
Looked to be some lovely cheeky trails to ride when its not quite so busy.
28 miles, 5,100ft climbing which was enough in the heat of Friday.
https://imgur.com/gallery/Z7TPvdG#ttM3Wy3
https://imgur.com/gallery/7pVQZrP#ewER9TB
https://imgur.com/gallery/7pVQZrP#uYrnN1J
https://imgur.com/gallery/7pVQZrP#CUhNQro
https://imgur.com/gallery/7pVQZrP#hhALSQb