The best gravel rides around Bakewell

There are over 70 gravel bike trails around Bakewell, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. The komoot community has explored more than 1,400 of these routes.

The terrain around Bakewell is diverse, featuring a mix of former railway lines, rugged farm tracks, and bridleways. You'll encounter rolling hills, picturesque limestone dales, and tranquil riverside paths along the River Wye, all within the stunning Peak District National Park.

Yes, there are several easy routes, including sections of the Monsal Trail, which is a renowned traffic-free path built on a former railway line. It's ideal for a relaxed pace and offers breathtaking views through historic viaducts and tunnels. For example, the Headstone Viaduct – Monsal Trail loop from Bakewell CP is an easy 7-mile option.

The gravel biking routes in Bakewell are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Riders often praise the varied scenery, the mix of challenging and accessible paths, and the opportunity to explore the unique White Peak landscape.

Many of the gravel bike routes around Bakewell are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. For instance, the Monsal Trail – Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge loop from Bakewell CP is a popular moderate circular route.

Absolutely. The Monsal Trail itself offers stunning views, especially through its viaducts and tunnels. The White Peak landscape provides visually striking scenery. You can also find routes that pass by natural features like the River Wye and Lathkill Dale. For specific natural highlights, consider exploring areas near Monsal Dale Weir or River Lathkill — Twelve Weirs.

While direct access to all waterfalls by bike might vary, some routes will bring you close to beautiful water features. For example, the area around Monsal Dale features Monsal Dale Weir, and other highlights like Lumsdale Falls are within the broader region, though you might need to combine cycling with a short walk to reach them.

Yes, many gravel routes in the Bakewell area offer glimpses of historical and cultural landmarks. You can find paths that lead through or near the expansive parkland of Chatsworth House, and the beautifully preserved medieval Haddon Hall is also reachable. The Monsal Trail itself is rich in railway history with its viaducts and tunnels.

Bakewell offers several car parks, and many routes, such as the Monsal Trail Gravel Path – Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge loop from Over Haddon CP, start from designated car parks (CP) in or near the town, providing convenient access to the trails.

Bakewell town centre is an excellent base with numerous cafes, pubs, and shops for refuelling before or after your ride. Additionally, the region is dotted with charming villages like Ashford-in-the-Water and Over Haddon, which can make for delightful stops along your gravel biking itinerary.

Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for gravel biking in Bakewell, with milder weather and longer daylight hours. However, the diverse terrain means that with appropriate gear, you can enjoy the trails year-round, though some paths might be muddier in wetter seasons.

Yes, Bakewell offers 45 difficult routes for experienced gravel bikers. These routes often feature significant elevation gain and more rugged terrain through the White Peak landscape. An example is the Monsal Trail Stone Arch Bridge – Monsal Trail Gravel Path loop from Bakewell CP, which covers over 56 km with substantial climbing.