Debut festival to celebrate cycling culture of the Peaks

The long road route will take in the Vale of Edale, Chapel-en-le-Frith, Whaley Bridge, the Goyt Valley, the Upper Dove Valley, Chatsworth, Monsal Dale and Tideswell and in total will be around 70 miles.

The very first festival of its kind in the Peak District will run over the course of a week and will consist of a number of cycling events ranging from gentle rides to competitive rides.

The festival, which starts with a launch ride from YHA Castleton, is being put together by the Peak District National Park Authority as a way of raising the profile of the park as a place for sport and leisure.

There will be three road options and two off-road options over different distances.

Road routes will be approximately 70, 55 and 30 miles; off-road will be 45 and 25 and riders are warned to expect some tough climbs, and challenging descents for the off-roaders.

Entry is £14, £16 and £18 for the three distances on the road; for off-roaders it will be £14 or £16.

Starting on Saturday, September 7 the event will be pre-entry only, with Wednesday, September 4 the closing date.

Visit www.visitpeakdistrict.com/events/peakdistrictcyclefest.aspx to register.