Relatively undiscovered lanes and climbs break out into the peaks and dales of the Peak District proper, beyond Chinley and Chapel-en-le-Frith. The scenic isolation of Perry Dale is the worthy pay-off in a strenuous loop that leads from the Peak Forest Tramway to the quarries of Peak Forest itself.
Route details
- Distance
20.1 miles (32.3 km)
- Elevation gain
1919 ft (585 m)
- Time allow 2 hours 30 minutes
- Difficulty
Challenging
- Terrain Brief Busier Roads, Lanes, Off-Road Trails
- Suited to
Gravel Bike
Hybrid Bike
Mountain Bike
Road Bike
- Suitability notes Very steep hills, very narrow lanes. All on road except well-surfaced trail, with three a-frame barriers.
- Attributes Accessible by train, Canals, Car parking, Circular loop, Dales, Ideal for electric bikes, Industrial heritage, Pocket Guide available, Pubs and cafés, Railways, Reservoirs, Rural heritage, Steep climbs, Towns and villages, Views of hills and peaks, Views of open countryside
- Starts at SK 01162 81472 SK23 7LS
- Places Buxworth, Castle Naze, Chinley, Combs, Dove Holes, Horwich End, Old Dam, Peak Dale, Peak Forest, Perry Dale, Slackhall, Smalldale, Sparrowpit, Tunstead Milton, Wash, Whaley Bridge
How to unlock
To unlock just this route and the in-depth website guide, buy the Peaks and Perry Dale Pocket Guide & GPX, or see below to unlock the whole collection.

Pocket Guide & GPX
• Downloadable PDF route guide in both phone and printer-friendly formats
• Navigation files in GPX, TCX and FIT format
• Access to website route guide
Support the website to unlock every route guide
But for the best value, get the downloadable Pocket Guides and GPX route file collections to take along for the ride:
Anyone who supports Peaks & Puddles now gets access to extra ‘Plus’ website route guides. Just buy me a coffee for £3, that’s all!

Cycle Routes Pocket Guide Collection
• Downloadable PDF route guides in both phone and printer-friendly formats
• Access to all P+ website route guides

Cycle Routes GPX Collection
• Navigation files in GPX, TCX and FIT format for every ride
• Access to all P+ website route guides

Cycle Routes Bundle
• Cycle Routes Pocket Guide Collection
• Cycle Routes GPX Collection
• Access to all P+ website route guides
Each option above includes a link to the special hidden page where these website pages (marked P+) can be accessed. These are all one-off payments and you’ll be able to return any time to access new and updated content just thanks to that single contribution.
What to expect
A link to the complete guide is provided immediately. It includes a route map, introduction, things to note, tips for getting there, detailed stage-by-stage route description and loads of original photos, just like the free guides.
Take a look at the 25+ free cycle route guides for an idea of what to expect with each guide. As an extra bonus, “Plus” guides are completely ad-free — and there are still plenty more to come!
Thanks for your support!
I’m reserving these extra original routes and pages exclusively for supporters as a way to help keep the free website content free for everyone. It’s a huge amount of work putting each of these together and your support makes it worthwhile. Thank you!
Anthony
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!