Since I still seemed to have way too much holiday to use up, I took a few days break and did a cycle cross the peak district. The idea was to reach somewhere without too much travelling faff or cost.

This managed that criteria by being a few hours train journey with only one change ~ its always a hassle changing platforms with a bike in tow. Arrived at Matlock Bath and spent lunch at the Heights of Abraham which as the name might suggest offers some lovely views and a cable-car ride. The heights also has a tour of some chilly caves, travelling light and for cycling meant I’d not really got anything warmer to wear.

Setting off from there mid-afternoon it was then a 50km ride around to Buxton starting with a heart-bursting climb up Cromford Hill, a long 1 in 8 and apparently a ‘category 3’ climb in the cycling world. On a hybrid bike and panniers it left me feeling exhausted and worried - this was only the start! I didn’t realise at the time but I’d come a bit off the planned route and missed the slightly longer but more gradient friendly route. Then onto the national cycle network route 54 which is an old railway line with a few more climbs and I’ve no shame in admitting to getting off and pushing. But once those climbs were over the trail was as good for bikes as it gets. A reasonably flat uninterrupted solid surface meant the speed picked up dramatically and the distance ate away nicely. Arrived at Staden Grange in Buxton at 7pm, so not to bad time-wise and nothing a shower, a meal and a Guinness or two couldn’t remedy.

Touring isn’t about doing distance, it’s about getting up the next day and doing distance again. After a superb breakfast the plan was to follow route 68 and 62 back round to Sheffield, about 80km. Again I lost the route and ended up doing a really horrid section on the A628. Made more horrid by realising I’d got a deflating tyre. So a delay while changing tubes behind a crash barrier in a lay-by with lorries thundering past. Once past that and rejoining the route, progress was much better as the trail was once again good quality and either flat or downhill. But it was getting on and the legs had done enough so caught the train at Penistone to Sheffield. Though given the time waiting for trains I probably could have got a few stations further. Eventually got home at 9pm so bailing was the right call, but it still felt like a defeat. I think I discovered why its called the “peak district” and maybe another time I’d be less ambitious and tackle the loop over 3 days.

After some reflection it felt more of an achievement. Respectable distance over some tough terrain and perhaps more importantly some amazing and beautiful landscape. I know I took some photos, but I cant’ seem to locate where I put them…