Tissington/High Peak/Manifold Trails

[nonicknamemum]

We are due to be staying close to the above trails in May half-term, and I gather they are good for family cycle rides. Has anyone been on any of these? Are they completely traffic free? I have a 7-year old who has learnt to ride a bike relatively recently and will have a low tolerance level for pedalling uphill! I would be wary of taking her cycling anywhere that is going to be really busy - is this likely to be the case in May half-term? I had wondered about letting my 7-year old cycle and walking myself, as my daughter is unlikely to cycle at adult cycling pace. Do others walk on these trails, or are they only really used by cyclists? Any advice/info appreciated!

[VivaLeBeaver]

I've been on all 3. They're all traffic free and have plenty of walkers on as well as cyclists. They're lovely.

IME Tissington trail is the busier of the 3. Though haven't been on High Peak or Manifold ones for 5 years so maybe they've got busier.

[Loveholidays]

ah - the peaks = gods own country - am v envious.
tissington trail is totally traffic free and a stunning ride. it's a while since i cycled it so not sure how busy it will be but it is the full width of a railway wide so should be ok....

Manifold trail has some short bits with cars but not a major issue - also a fab trail and less exposed than the tissington trail as it is down in a valley all the way - my mum's family come from Waterhouses at the start of this trail so it's a special place for me - enjoy :)

yes - trails are used by walkers.

[VivaLeBeaver]

Oh its the Monsal Trail I've been on not Manifold. Monsal trail is really nice.

[nonicknamemum]

Thanks for the replies. Loveholidays, from what you say, sounds like the Manifold trail is flatter, so perhaps easier for a child who is not that experienced at cycling?

[Loveholidays]

both are pretty flat as they were railways with gentle inclines but i think you're right that manifold valley is flatter - the big thing is it's protected by the hills either side

[Lilymaid]

Manifold Trail definitely better for younger children - it is largely tarmac and more sheltered than Tissington or High Peak. All are also used by walkers, so make sure your bells work. There is no noticeable incline on the Manifold Way (not much on the Tissington Trail, but there is some at the eastern end of the High Peak Trail - as far as I can remember).

[nonicknamemum]

Thanks Lilymaid - really useful info. I take it the bits with cars on the Manifold trail are short enough that we could wheel the bikes along for those without it being a major hassle? My daughter isn't yet ready to ride on a road with cars, even a quiet one.

[Lilymaid]

You need to be careful near the Hulme End end of the route where you go through a tunnel on a road and if you park at Waterhouses (the southern end of the Manifold Way), at the bike hire/car park on the south side of the main road (A523?) you need to cross the main road to access the trail though after that you are car free up to Wetton Mill (I think). Nearly all the traffic down the very quiet country lanes you may cross will be travelling extremely slowly and will be well aware of cyclists. We often took our DCs along this when they were learning to cycle and as long as you keep with them and take reasonable care, you should have a great time. The National Trust has a useful downloadable guide

[nonicknamemum]

Great. Thanks Lilymaid.