Wharncliffe is as hard as you choose to make it – i'm def' not hard core
you don't need to ride downhill – being able to read a map does help
though there is/was a red route signposted from carpark near grenoside
if coming from barnsley direction on transpennine trail you will pick up markers half way round and would give some sort of idea – yes it will be muddy and part of this trail has been destroyed by felling
The Vertical Graphics Dark Peak book has a route in Wharncliffe, also a description for a short Langsett loop and if you have transport or have a liking for long days can blast up the TPT over towards Holmfirth via Ramsden Clough then there is a route round Digley which is good
Also some stuff up around Ingbirchworth towards Holmfirth but a fair bit of road to connect