The best traffic-free bike rides around Staffordshire Moorlands

There are over 80 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails in the Staffordshire Moorlands, offering a wide range of distances and difficulty levels. These routes are carefully curated to ensure a peaceful and car-free cycling experience.

The Staffordshire Moorlands offers incredibly diverse terrain. You'll find everything from repurposed railway lines like the Tissington Trail and Manifold Track, which offer smooth, accessible riding, to more rugged paths through gritstone ridges, rolling hills, and expansive moorlands. Expect a mix of ascents, descents, and off-road sections, often following scenic river valleys or canal towpaths.

Yes, several routes are ideal for families and beginners seeking easy, traffic-free gravel biking. The Biddulph Valley Way, a 4.5-mile surfaced path, is perfect for all abilities. The Caldon Canal towpath also provides a 17-mile traffic-free route. For a longer, yet still accessible option, consider the Caldon Canal Towpath – Milton – Consall Lime Kilns loop from Blythe Bridge, which offers a moderate challenge with beautiful scenery.

The trails often pass through or near stunning natural features. You might cycle past the impressive gritstone edges of The Roaches, offering panoramic views, or through the picturesque Manifold Valley, home to the intriguing Thor's Cave. Other highlights include the dramatic scenery around Rudyard Lake and the unique landscape near Flash, Britain's highest village. You can also explore fascinating caves like Lud's Church or Reynard’s Cave.

The Staffordshire Moorlands is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's stunning and varied landscapes, the peace and quiet of the traffic-free trails, and the excellent network of repurposed railway lines that make for smooth, enjoyable gravel riding. The blend of challenging climbs and scenic, gentle dales is frequently highlighted.

Yes, for those seeking longer adventures, the region offers several extended traffic-free options. The Tissington Trail and Manifold Valley Trail can be combined for significant distances, as seen in the Tissington Trail – Manifold Valley Trail loop from Waterhouses. The Caldon Canal towpath also provides a substantial 17-mile traffic-free stretch, which can be incorporated into longer rides through the Churnet Valley.

Absolutely. Many of the gravel routes in the Staffordshire Moorlands are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the challenging Bradbourne Brook Ford – Tissington Trail loop from Parkhouse Hill, which offers a substantial circular ride incorporating the Tissington Trail.

Spring and autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in the Staffordshire Moorlands, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can also be excellent, though trails may be busier. Winter riding is possible, but be prepared for potentially muddy conditions, especially on unpaved sections, and colder weather.

Many routes in the Staffordshire Moorlands provide spectacular viewpoints. The Roaches, for instance, offer stunning panoramic views across heather moorland. Trails through the Manifold Valley and around Flash, Britain's highest village, also provide magnificent vistas of the diverse landscape. The Wolfscote Dale viewpoint is another notable spot.

Yes, while many routes are accessible, there are also challenging options for experienced gravel bikers. Routes that combine sections of the Tissington Trail with more rugged bridleways and significant elevation gains, such as the Tissington Trail – Carsington Water loop from Hartington Town Quarter CP, can be quite demanding. These longer routes often feature substantial climbs and descents, requiring good fitness and advanced riding skills.

Many popular trailheads and villages in the Staffordshire Moorlands offer designated parking facilities. For routes incorporating the Tissington Trail or Manifold Track, you'll often find parking available at access points like Waterhouses or Hartington. It's always advisable to check specific route details on komoot for recommended parking locations near your chosen starting point.

Yes, several routes offer scenic views of the region's beautiful lakes and reservoirs. Rudyard Lake is a popular spot with cycling options on lanes and trails. The Tissington Trail – Carsington Water loop from Hartington Town Quarter CP, for example, includes a section around Carsington Water, providing lovely lakeside riding. You might also encounter Doxey Pool or Dimmingsdale Mill Pond on various trails.