Cycle Routes - Explorer
Day or half day circular routes on quiet roads or trails
From the rolling hills and limestone dales of the White Peak to the high heather-clad moorlands of the Dark Peak this is countryside to explore by bike. Hear the birdsong and smell the wildflowers as you pedal, this is a special landscape and you need time to admire the views! This area is especially good for circular rides from places like Matlock and Buxton market towns, which are accessible by train too.
Explorer routes are circular day or half day cycling leisure rides on quiet lanes with sections of traffic-free trails. Enjoy superb views, picturesque villages, friendly pubs and cafes.
Complete with Ordnance Survey maps and helpful advice, these carefully researched routes offer the very best of the Peak District on two wheels.
Just make your choice from the picture gallery or map below to find out more.
Peak District Mountain biking
If you're after a challenge and prefer the rough stuff, the Peak District is one of the best places in the country for mountain biking. There are a number of guidebooks which are a great starting point to the best bridleways and upland tracks to ride. You can also view a few of our explorer routes to try if you are new to mountain biking.
Cycling for explorers
Cycling for explorers
GPX files to download
- Ashbourne North (9KB)
- Ashbourne South (32KB)
- Biking Birdsong (39KB)
- Biking Birdsong (shortcut) (27KB)
- Hathersage (49KB)
- High Moors and Gritstone Tors (41KB)
- Hills, Dales and Trails (47KB)
- Hills, Dales and Trails (Short Loop) (34KB)
- Matlock Moors, Hills and Mills (45KB)
- Rail, Trail and Limestone Dales (16KB)
- Roaches (Loop) (14KB)
- Roaches and Reservoirs (37KB)
- Rudyard (Loop) (21KB)
- Stately Homes and Standing Stones (44KB)
Problem downloading? Right click on links and Save Target As... to download.
Mountain Bike Specific
- Ashbourne (38KB)
- Derwent (Ladybower Reservoirs) (8KB)
- Parsley Hay (13KB)
What is a GPX file?
GPX files contain location data, such as way-points, routes and tracks. They use a standard format that can be imported and read by multiple software and devices such as smartphones and Google maps.
Download all routes
All explorer routes (82KB - zip format)