Hiring a bike in the Peak District

There is plenty of traffic free cyling in Derbyshire and the Peak District on abandoned railway lines - Tissington Trail, High Peak Trail, Monsal Trail (fragmented - some road stretches), Sett Valley Trail, plus the Manifold Way, Ladybower, Derwent and Howden dams (Not quite traffic free). If you don’t have a bike or have not brought your bike with you, there are a number of cycle hire centres.

Most of the cycle hire centres are run by the local authority but there are a few independent bike hire businesses around. Cycle hire in the Peak District is generally associated with the trails. Here is a list of the main centres. We recommend that you organise your hire in advance as the centres can be quite busy in the main tourist season and you may find yourself without a 'steed'.

General information ...

Peak District cycling books:

The Peak District (AA 40 Pub Walks & Cycle Rides)

Mountain Bike Guide: Quality Routes in the Peak District and Derbyshire

More Cycling Without Traffic: The Midlands and Peak District

Off Beat Cycling and Mountain Biking in the Peak District (Paperback)

Mountain Bike Guide - Derbyshire and the Peak District

Opening days vary from centre to centre so it is best to ring them before your visit. Opening times are from 9.30 am to 6 pm (or dusk if that comes earlier).

The centres recommend that you arrive early and telephone in advance in order to avoid disappointment. Bookings for 10 or more bikes needs to be done in advance and will attract a 10% discount except July, August, Sundays and bank holidays.

Bikes are replaced every year and ex-hire bike sales take place throughout the year. Some centres have special bike sales at the end of the season.

Helmet loan is free, subject to stock availability.

Most centres have some bikes that are suitable for use by people with disabilities and some centres have ‘Wheels for all’ hand cranked tricycles available.

You will need to pay a deposit and provide proof of identity such as driving license or a credit card.

Trails are busy at certain times and cyclists are asked to show consideration for other users.

The Centres:

Ashbourne (Tissington Trail)

Located at the Ashbourne end of the Tissington Trail. 13.5 miles of traffic free cycling, links with the High Peak Trail.

Tel: 01335 343156

Map - click here

Derwent (Ladybower Reservoir)

Located at Fairholmes car park at the head of Ladybower reservoir off the A57.

Tel: 01433 651261

Map - click here

Hayfield (Sett Valley Trail)

Cycle hire centre now closed - included just so you are aware.

Map - click here

Middleton Top (High Peak Trail)

Located at the visitor centre close to the town of Middleton-by-Wirksworth. 17.5 miles of traffic free cycling, links with the Tissington Trail.

Tel: 01629 823204

Map - click here

Parsley Hay (High Peak and Tissington Trails)

Located at the junction of the High Peak and Tissington Trails. Over 30 miles of traffic free cycling.

Tel: 01298 84493

Map - click here

Waterhouses (Manifold Way)

Located in the village of Waterhouses behind the Crown Hotel. 9 miles of traffic free cycling along the Manifold Way.

Tel: 01538 308609

Map - click here

Brown End Farm at Waterhouses also does cycle hire

Disclaimer - The information on this page is believed to be correct and is given in good faith. It may have changed since our research. Use of the information on this page is at your risk, we cannot accept any liability for any problems or incidents arising. The maps are based on the postcodes of the centres. We recommend that you confirm the location and other details before travelling.