Allow
Largely undiscovered lanes and climbs cut through the boundary of the two peaks, dark and white, 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 historic Peak Forest Tramway to the limestone quarries it once emptied.
Route details
- Distance
20.1 miles / 32.3 km - Elevation Gain
585 m / 1919 ft - Time allow 2 hours 30 minutes
- Difficulty
Challenging - Suited to
Gravel Bike 
Hybrid Bike 
Mountain Bike 
Road Bike - Notes Very steep hills, very narrow lanes. All on road except a short well-surfaced trail.
- Suggested Start SK23 7LS SK 0116 8147
- 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
- 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
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 for a one-off contribution.
Pocket Guide & GPX
• Downloadable PDF route guides in both phone and printer-friendly formats – includes turn-by-turn directions, a custom-designed map, photos and points of interest
• Navigation files in GPX, TCX and FIT format
• Access to this website route guide
Support the website for £10 to access everything…
Become a Peaks & Puddles + supporter for a one-off contribution and you’ll get access to all these exclusive extra pages — plus downloadable, phone-friendly Pocket Guides and over 70 GPX navigation files to take along for the ride.
Peaks & Puddles +
• Cycle Routes Pocket Guide Collection
• Cycle Routes GPX Collection
• Access to all P+ website route guides
• One-off contribution, supporting my work and website running costs
What to expect
You’ll be provided immediately with the link to a hidden page where all these extra downloads and guides (marked P+) can be accessed. Return any time to access new and updated content just thanks to that single contribution. As an extra bonus, I’ve made sure “Plus” guide pages are completely ad-free.
Thanks for your support!
I’m reserving these extra original routes and pages exclusively for supporters. The one-off contribution supports my work and website costs, with miles of cycling inspiration in return. This online guidebook is still growing, I’m nowhere near done yet, so it’s a great investment in my future plans. Thank you!
Anthony
Original photography, words and design by Anthony Sheridan unless indicated otherwise. Found this guide helpful? Buy me a coffee to help keep the wheels turning!
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/the author cannot be held responsible for any issues that may arise from the riders own decision to ride a section of indicated route.
Always ensure your equipment is safe and legal 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. And after all that, have fun!