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This route is based on a bit of the Calver Circuit, and the Bakewell Circuit (in reverse), both from the V-graphics [url= https://www.v-publishing.co.uk/books/categories/mountain-biking/white-peak-mountain-biking.html ]White Peak[/url] book.
In summary:
From Bakewell, up "Golf Course Hill" then tarmac to Pilsley
Downhill on an easy bridleway, and through the woods to Hassop village
Hassop Station for refreshments, then Monsal Trail back to Bakewell
Up that pesky hill for a second time, followed by a rough lane down to Edensor Tea Cottage for cake
Up grassy slope to New Piece Wood, and along the ridge of Manners Wood
Descend through woods and fields to the R Wye
Back along another section of the Monsal Trail to Bakewell
Please email if you would like a gpx file (or mmo) or a pdf of the route.
It's a BLUE ROUTE (with a few RED options), suitable for beginners, yet interesting for more experienced riders. The Figure of 8 brings us back to town after 6 miles. That means you could bail out, if it's really not "your thing".
The pace will be relaxed, and no-one will feel pressurised to ride faster (except me).
There's only one Guide Stoop and Companion Stone today, although we'll pass them twice (see Saturday's ride for links). Instead we'll have fantastic views of Chatsworth House, the original Pemberley in Pride and Prejudice (so you can daydream about [url= 
]Mr Darcy[/url] . . . or Keira Knightley, if you prefer).
So, this is what you need to know . . .
[b]ROUTE[/b]
14 miles, with 2100 ft of climbing
[b]START[/b]
Bakewell Station, on the Monsal Trail SK 222 689
[b]PARKING[/b]
I'm not aware of any free parking in the area, so it'll cost you £4-5 for the day
Very small CP at Bakewell Station, no facilities DE45 1GE
Large private CP by river at Bakewell Bridge DE45 1BU (short uphill ride to start)
Large CP at [url= http://www.hassopstation.co.uk/ ]Hassop Station[/url] DE45 1NW with good facilities, (1 mile flat ride to start)
[b]PUBLIC TRANSPORT[/b]
Nearest station is Grindleford, on the Manchester-Sheffield line
But you'd probably want to arrange a lift to Bakewell (7 miles)
[b]TIME[/b]
Sunday 28 June
Meet at 10:15am, to start riding at 10:30am prompt
It will take at least four hours, probably longer with two stops.
[b]REFRESHMENTS[/b]
Breakfast available at several places in Bakewell, generally from 9:30am
The [url= http://www.bakewelltarts.co.uk/cms.php?id_cms=13 ]Bakewell Tart Shop[/url] has a nice little courtyard DE45 1EE
Also [url= http://www.hassopstation.co.uk/cafe/our-menu/ ]Hassop Station[/url] is convenient if you're parking there, opens at 9am
Lunch at Hassop Station
Afternoon tea at [url= http://www.edensorteacottage.co.uk/ ]Edensor Tea Cottage[/url]
[b]TOILETS[/b]
Award-winning toilets in Granby Road, Bakewell (opposite the police station)
Also Hassop Station and Edensor Tea Cottage
Terms and Conditions apply:
This is not a commercial venture, just a group of mates out for a day's enjoyment.
So it's entirely at your own risk.
But we will do our best to make sure you enjoy yourself.
Just ask if you are unsure about anything.
Please bring adequate clothing, food (or money to buy lunch), water, first aid kit, puncture repair.
And either carry Emergency Contact details, or email them to me beforehand.
In other exciting, and somewhat unexpected developments..... It looks like my mum is coming along 😯
Mind you.... she's a better rider, and considerably less likely to fall off in front of you than me!
To quote the wonderful [url= http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/may/02/cycling-is-the-perfect-sport-for-transvestites ]Grayson Perry[/url] [i]"A pensioner off-roader is a cool look"[/i] 😀
Lots of ladies signed up for this, and a separate ride for DHs, kindly organised by nbt.
Unfortunately, that's just Mumsnet-speak for "Dear Husbands", and not STW-speak for Down Hill 😉
14 signed up so far for Sunday:
Mrs Ton plus The Mascot
Alisonsmiles
Bunnyhop
Ceefa plus 4 Bike Buddies
DivaGirl
Esme
MrsMouse
Pink Tortoise
Whatgoesupmustcomedownbadly
Plus, for the Gentlemen's Ride:
nbt
BadlyWiredDog
Binners
MrMouse
FunkyNick
Anyone else coming out to play?
I will have a friend along too. FunkyNick and I plan to meet her and Mr & MrsMouse at Hassop and pootle up. Hope you have a great ride on the Saturday, looking forward to meeting all you luverly ladies n gents on Sunday.
Lizzie
possibly I'll check with the boss!
Bring the boss with you, Duncan. She probably runs faster than I ride 😳
Mrs B (aka AJ) is interested in coming along....ahem....if it's not raining to hard! She's easy to spot - black 29er bike with a squeaky tortoise toy on the handlebars:)
Excellent, we'll look forward to meeting you AJ.
And if the Sunday ride is half as good as the Saturday ride . . . it'll be brilliant!
I'm out. I fell off on Friday, I'd like to say it was super gnarly but it wasn't I was just being a spaz.
I've hurt my hand n ribs so I'm taking it easy