E-Bike Day Rides in the Peak District
Here at Lewes Cycleshack we’re always trying to expand our horizons, and this week we’re in the Peak District trying out a Trek Rail 9 electric bike.
Day one started in Hope and saw a fairly easy ascent up the Roman Road towards Hope Cross, then descending down into the Edale Valley to cross towards Hollins Cross and Rushup Edge. On the map these are all bridleways; it can be tricky to navigate between footpaths if you want to get up on the hills. For example the Great Ridge from Lose Hill to Mam Tor, although it looks eminently rideable and would be a great section with stunning views, is all footpath except for one section in the middle.
Crossing Jaggers Clough
The going can actually be really uncomfortable, with a lot of large stones on many of the bridleways - not technically hard, but really rough on the saddle and forearms - especially if you left your padded shorts in the garage at home… However the section between Win Hill and Hope Cross is one of the loveliest short bits of riding in the Peak. It’s a shame the summit of Win Hill can’t be accessed on a bike, but it’s worth the short push up there for the view.
One of the smoother bits of track down from Hope Cross
Given the nature of the stony track downhill, your author opted to bypass the ascent up the bridleway to Hollins Cross and go straight for Rushup Edge. This proved a nice ride along the broad top (not a ridge) with sweeping views across Kinder Scout. Descending to the road, I crossed on the the Pennine Bridleway which led through some delightful countryside. Walls and sheep, basically, but absolutely lovely.
Always take a flask, even in a bike bag!
The rest of the ride back to Hope was much the same - gravelly bridleways, some fields and a bit of road to end up through Bradwell. About 22 miles and only 1.5 hours of actual riding, but plenty of stops and lovely views made this a great trip out. There are many options for coffee and so many variations on the route that it would be impossible to list them.
Overall the Peak is great for a few days out, but the most spectacular bits of trail like Kinder Scout and the upland sections can be really hard going with very rocky trails slowing you down - no flow here. Your author has ridden worldwide and isn’t worried about a few rocks, but some of the tracks here can be as tricky as anywhere. No flow!