The best traffic-free bike rides around Ashbourne

There are nearly 20 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Ashbourne, offering a variety of distances and difficulties. These routes are specifically curated to provide a safe and enjoyable experience away from vehicular traffic.

Yes, Ashbourne is an excellent starting point for beginners. The Ashbourne Tunnel – Tissington Village loop from Ashbourne CP is an easy 14 km route, perfect for those new to gravel biking. The Tissington Trail itself, which starts in Ashbourne, is largely flat and traffic-free, making it ideal for families and new riders.

The no-traffic gravel routes around Ashbourne traverse diverse and picturesque landscapes. You'll experience the 'wonderful rolling countryside' of the White Peak, dramatic 'limestone gorges' with 'steeply wooded slopes and towering rock pinnacles' along routes like the Manifold Way, and serene woodland sections. Many trails offer expansive views of the Derbyshire Dales.

Yes, several routes offer circular options. For instance, the View of Carsington Water – Carsington Water loop from Ashbourne CP is a challenging 41 km circular route that takes you around the scenic Carsington Water. There are also loops that incorporate sections of the Tissington Trail, allowing for varied circular rides.

Many routes offer access to stunning natural features and historical sites. You can explore the iconic Dovedale's stepping stones, marvel at Thorpe Cloud, or visit the impressive Thor's Cave along the Manifold Way. The Carsington Water loop provides views of the large reservoir itself. Charming villages like Tissington and Hartington also offer pleasant stops.

Absolutely. The Tissington Trail, starting directly from Ashbourne, is particularly well-suited for families due to its traffic-free nature, gentle gradients, and well-maintained gravel surface. It's an excellent choice for a relaxed ride with children.

Many of the disused railway lines, such as the Tissington Trail and Manifold Way, are popular with dog walkers and cyclists. However, it's always best to keep dogs on a lead, especially around livestock or other trail users, and to check specific local regulations for each section you plan to ride.

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

Ashbourne itself has several car parks, which serve as convenient starting points for trails like the Tissington Trail. Many of the routes mentioned, such as the Ashbourne Tunnel – Tissington Village loop from Ashbourne CP, explicitly start from an Ashbourne car park. Smaller villages along the trails, like Tissington and Hartington, also often have parking facilities.

The komoot community highly rates the routes around Ashbourne, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful, traffic-free environment, the stunning scenery of the Peak District and Derbyshire Dales, and the well-maintained surfaces of trails like the Tissington Trail, making them perfect for a relaxing and safe ride.

Yes, the trails often connect to charming villages that offer amenities. For example, Tissington village, accessible via the Tissington Trail, is known for its tea rooms. Hartington, along the Manifold Way, also provides local amenities like tea rooms and a cheese shop, perfect for a mid-ride break or lunch.