Peak District Youth Hostelling Cycle Trip - 1st day

This was the first day of a 2 day trip. The Peak district is within range for a day's ride for me, but it's hard to avoid busy roads on the way there, and the forecast gave rain on the first morning and second evening so it seemed good to me to let the train take the rain and enjoy the scenery and cycling in the better weather.

I planned the route using the OS maps route planner following mainly parts of the National Cycle Network. The criteria included revisiting the Manifold Valley which I "discovered" and last rode over 40 years ago, and staying at Hartington Hall - sadly the only YHA Hostel in the area offering economical accommodation at the time. It was my first Hostelling trip for 45 years - it's sad to see how little of the old accommodation network and ethos remains, but Hartington was very good for my needs - comfortable and friendly.

The Peak District is traversed by a number of rail trails such as the Tissington, High Peak, Monsal and Manifold trails which give easy, traffic free riding. I found, however that it was the other parts of the route that provided a more unique experience with challenge, mud and wide views; the planners of the cycle routes having done a brilliant job of linking pretty places by quiet roads and paths - without their work I would have missed the lovely Wolfscote Dale and many other interesting nooks. The ride was unbelievably quiet (almost no noise) and peaceful away (mostly) from traffic - I expect it's busier in the summer!

Alas... My performance was slow even for me, especially on hills: I was still recovering from illness and struggling with breathe k and joints. It was often a relief to be able to use photography as an excuse to stop and take a break!

I enjoyed the riding, the scenery, and I've enjoyed reliving it all while making this video. If you've watched it, I hope you've enjoyed it too.

Here is a link you the course file on Garmin Connect:

https://connect.garmin.com/modern/cou...

Or on Komoot:
https://www.komoot.com/tour/145981730...

Note: this is not the file I used while riding as including the incline from Peak Forest Junction was a decision on the day - once I saw it was do-able. However, I think this course file should take you round the route I actually followed.



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Music Copyright:
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Music: Spring
Musician: Jon Nathan 21