Peak district riding around Crich

just about to head on a family holiday, and not sure whether to take my (xc) MTB or gravel bike. I’ll be staying in Crich, and just sneaking in a few rides from the door (probably fit in one 4hr job).

All the riding I’ve done in the past is the other end of the peaks. Is it actual MTB riding down my end, or will I be mostly on lanes, bridleways, farm tracks etc?

Crich Chase and Shining Cliff Woods

https://www.bing.com/maps/?cp=53.068745%7E-1.498004&lvl=16.3&style=s

Black Rocks (at Cromford)

https://www.bing.com/maps/?cp=53.098492%7E-1.559065&lvl=15.4&style=s

Nice descent from the top of Riber (Heartstone Lane)

https://www.bing.com/maps/?cp=53.114187%7E-1.537843&lvl=16.5&style=s

Quite a bit going out towards Darley Dale, Bakewell and Chatsworth too.

https://www.bing.com/maps/?cp=53.207097%7E-1.642883&lvl=15.4&style=s

Most could be ridden on gravel if you want to make it a challenge. Some proper gnarly stuff in Shining Cliff woods though (but all cheeky!).

I’d take the gravel bike. Some lovely quiet road lanes riding to be had from Crich, up to Lea, towards Wolley, Ashover then Holy Moor, drop down to Chatsworth then either back along the A6 or back over the top. Lots of options.

Ping me a message if you want help putting a route together.

Hi guys, thanks for the responses. There’s quite a lot of overlap between my gravel and MTB to be honest! @jeffl I’ll be in touch

I found this actually https://gravelbike.guide/peak-district-gravel-map/#

Although I have no idea what this is like

Just found a YouTube video of Crich chase. Looks like loads of nice single-track.

Am tempted now to take the MTB, and use the gravel to link together a bit of fun MTB riding.

The Matlock circuit looks quite good TBF, I’d go with that. Not sure what the official direction is but I’d go anti-clockwise.

Crich chase/Shining Cliff/Black Rocks/Bow Woods all have some good gnadgery singletrack in them. Defo MTB territory.

Or you can do gravel stuff further west – High Peak & Tissington Trails for easy miles, Carsington water, Manifold Way etc, plus loads of quiet roads.

add a visit to Loaf to your itinerary!

Crich and shinning cliffe are overgrown at the moment as far as riding the mtb/enduro trails goes. Black rocks is running well. Technically mountain biking isn’t allowed in Bow Wood.

There is the “Ambergate Classic” route which starts from holly lane and is best ridden clockwise.

Make sure you go out for a walk over High Tor, and do ‘Giddy Path’ for great views. Start at Matlock, walk through the park, and follow the path, over the top, then you come out at Bath Station, walk a bit further for chips and ice cream, then walk back on the road, which isnt a bad walk either. It isnt far, maybe a mile both ways, but the views from the top are great.

We’ve plan ed to go to loaf every day it’s open I think – already had some amazing bread :-)

For Crich Chase, Shining Cliff and Black Rocks, definitely the MTB.

If you take the gravel and you’re going this weekend, have a ride up the HPT and you should have a good view of Y-Not festival when you pass by Mouldridge Grange (layout dependant, but you always used to)