Power along the former Woodhead electric main line railway between Manchester and Sheffield, above five reservoirs in six miles, into one of most dramatic and dramatically altered valleys of Derbyshire’s Dark Peak.
Route details
- Distance 12.9 miles / 20.8 km
- Elevation Gain 115 m / 377 ft
- Time allow 1 hour 30 minutes
- Difficulty Gentle
- Suited to City or Folding Bike Gravel Bike Hybrid Bike Mountain Bike Road Bike
- Notes Quite coarse surface in places, can be wet and puddled. Non-Standard Cycles: awkward stone chicanes also prevent full access. Road Bikes: doable with wider tyres and care.
- Suggested Start SK13 1DW SK 0251 9615
- Places Crowden, Hadfield, Padfield, Torside, Woodhead
- Attributes Accessible by train, Car parking, Family-friendly, National Cycle Network, Out and back, Pubs and cafés, Railways, Reasonably flat, Reservoirs, Suitable for older kids, Suitable for young kids, Towns and villages, Views of hills and peaks, Woodlands and forests
A complete guide to the Longdendale Trail with a stage-by-stage tour, original photos and helpful tips is coming in the future.
Route map
The route stats featured here are automatically generated by Komoot. For the most accurate guide, please refer to the route details above, based on actual rides recorded by Strava.
The all-important disclaimer: While great care and attention has been put into gathering these routes, ensuring details are accurate and determining their suitability, all information should be used as a guide only and is not a replacement for using your own judgement or research when setting out on new adventures. Peaks & Puddles cannot be held responsible for any problems you may encounter.
Always ensure your equipment is safe for use and that you are well prepared, carrying everything necessary including access to a good map. Follow the Highway Code and the Countryside Code at all times. Respect the landscape, the wildlife and the people you encounter. But most importantly, have fun!