New book signposts Derbyshire cyclists to best 25 big rides

Country lane between Danebridge and Tittesworth Reservoir. Photo: peakimages.co.uk/Chiz Dakin galleries

Summer is made for cycling, a time to escape the four walls of our home and the vehicles that we travel around in for most of the year.

You can see so much more on a bike which is far more flexible than a car for an outdoor adventure. Head off the beaten track and soak up the spectacular scenery unfolding before your eyes without having to worry about lengthy traffic queues.

Cycling is a great way to exercise as it gets the heart and muscles pumping.

The Roaches, Hen Cloud and Tittesworth Reservoir. Photo by John Coefield.

A new book signposts cyclists to the best long-distance routes to see nature’s wonders and historic landmarks on routes that include Roman roads, disused railways and canal paths.

Big RIdes: Great Britain and Ireland gives information on the 25 top road cycling, gravel and mountain biking routes.

Tour de Peak District, a 157-mile circular trail starting and finishing in Matlock and taking in Leek, Glossop, Holmfirth and Dronfield with several off-road sections to navigate. This trail follows the boundaries of the Peak District National Park and will take three to five days to complete.

For those cyclists who want to travel further, the book tells them all they need to know about the Great North Trail which starts at Middleton Top and finishes at either John O’Groats, a village on the north-east tip of Great Britain, or Cape Wrath, the north-westerly point of mainland Britain. This 800-mile route enables participants to see moorlands, castles and waterfalls on their journey.

A stiff climb up Low Gate Lane heading towards Hebden Bridge, leaving Castleshaw Reservoirs and Roman Fort in the valley.

If you’ve missed going abroad for the past 18 months this guide points you to a cycling trail which leads from mainland Britain to northern France.

Big RIdes: Great Britain and Ireland is published by Vertebrate Publishing, isbn number 9781839810725. Normally retailing at £20, it is available from the publishers for £16, go to www,v-publishing.co.uk

READ THIS: Peak District rocks in UK’s top ten places for outdoor adventures

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