The best MTB trails around Hartington Upper Quarter

There are over 270 mountain bike routes around Hartington Upper Quarter, offering a wide range of experiences. These include 42 easy, over 200 moderate, and 26 difficult trails, catering to various skill levels.

The region offers diverse terrain, from traffic-free trails built on old railway lines like the Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail, to more challenging routes with significant elevation gains and technical features. You'll encounter dramatic limestone dales, impressive gritstone ridges, and scenic paths around reservoirs.

Yes, Hartington Upper Quarter is home to several easy and family-friendly options. The Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail are excellent traffic-free routes built on former railway lines, ideal for leisure cyclists. For a specific easy route, consider the Fernilee Reservoir Tower – Fernilee Reservoir loop from The Street Car Park, which is just over 6 km long with minimal elevation.

For more experienced riders seeking a challenge, the area offers routes with technical features and significant elevation. A popular moderate option is the Long Lane Rocky Descent – Taxal Berm loop from The Street Car Park, which covers 24.1 km with over 600 meters of elevation gain. The wider Peak District, accessible from Hartington, also has trails known for rocky, steep, and technically demanding sections.

The trails often pass through stunning natural landscapes. You can cycle alongside the River Dove, explore dramatic limestone dales like Dovedale and Beresford Dale, or enjoy views from Wolfscote Hill. Many routes also feature beautiful reservoirs such as Errwood Reservoir and Fernilee Reservoir. You might also encounter ancient tumuli and cairns, or the iconic Headstone Viaduct on the Monsal Trail.

Yes, many routes in the area are designed as loops. For example, the Errwood Reservoir – Errwood Reservoir loop from The Street Car Park offers scenic views around the reservoir and through woodlands. Another option is the Pennine Bridleway Gravel Track – Deep Dale loop from Buxton, which leads through varied landscapes.

The mountain biking experience in Hartington Upper Quarter is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 700 reviews. Many visitors praise the diverse landscapes, the mix of accessible traffic-free paths and challenging technical routes, and the stunning natural beauty of the Peak District.

Many trails in the Peak District are dog-friendly, especially the traffic-free routes like the Tissington Trail and High Peak Trail. However, it's always advisable to keep dogs under close control, particularly in areas with livestock or ground-nesting birds, and to check specific route guidelines for any restrictions.

Yes, bike hire facilities are available in locations such as Parsley Hay and Hulme End, making it convenient to access the traffic-free trails. The renovated Hartington signal box also operates as a visitor center, providing local information.

The Peak District offers great mountain biking opportunities throughout the year. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer is ideal for longer rides. Even in winter, many trails, especially the former railway lines, remain accessible, though conditions can be muddy or icy on higher, more exposed routes.

Absolutely. The area is known for its dramatic limestone landscapes and gorges. You can explore features like Lud's Church, a deep chasm, or the picturesque Wolfscote Dale. The Chee Dale Stepping Stones also offer a unique experience along the River Wye.