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Would like to take my 10yo lad out for a ride in the Peak tomorrow. He's happy round Landegla red, but I'm struggling to think of a suitable loop. Any Dads got something tried and tested for kids taking the step into real mountain biking?
Was thinking some of the loops round Ladybower might fit the bill? My lad is not super strong or owt but he does have quite a steady temperament, so he wouldn't get upset if we had to do some pushing uphill (not too much though!).
How about something over Houndkirk Moor where you could also take in Burbage Edge and the two man made trails in Lady Cannings.
Thks stuc, hadn't considered that as I don't know Shef side as well. How easy is the Blacka moor stuff, it looks like a fairly steep climb out?
I’d read there are trees down on both sides of lady Cannings. Ir was a couple of days ago so not sure if they have been cleared.
I know you know the area, what about Marple way?
There’s snow on Chinley churn, I suspect further into the peak may be quite frozen and a bit of a challenge. Very happy to be proved wrong though.!!!
Hi Martyn - Marple would be spot on for us, was just thinking most of the pulls up the hill to Mellor cross way are quite arduous for new riders. THere must be loads of viable routes, though, thinking about it. Even pushing up the Golf course climb from the Fox, say, is not a big deal as something like the descent from the cross would be ideal.
Have you been to Mellor Cross recently? Because the track has been "improved", to allow heavy machinery to access the cross. 🙁
How about round Ladybower itself, it's long enough to make a decent trip out but not so bad as to make it a chore. If you want a bit more then just ride or push up any of the tracks on the forest side... and then back down another one back to the res edge.
A loop from Great Longstone could be a good one. About 18km and nothing too technical
Although it may be a bit tame rereading the op
If bikes are allowed there, maybe check out the area near Errwood Reservoir near Whaley Bridge. If bikes allowed you could try circuits of reservoir and maybe get up to the top near Shining Tor. I've only run up there so might not be bike friendly. The path on top are large slabs so might not be good for cycling on unless super confident.
I’m not sure if this is of interest, features a bit of everything and is predominately off road. There are no facilities in MBY, but there is just off route at Parsley Hay
https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/987448900
Garry - Prob a bit late now but how about - Roman Lakes, Strines Station, Up to The Fox, Left and back along and just past The Banks head up the track the goes round the back of the Golf Course (not the Switchbacks, a bit further on). Turn left on the road and straight over at the junction, taking you onto Black Lane, Right to The Stables, straight over, then Right then left to Briargrove Farm, up past Aspenshaw Hall, Left at the top and down past The Little Mill in Rowarth, Follow the roads back to Primrose Lane, Right on to Black Lane, drop down all the way to Windybottom Farm, right back to The Roman Lakes for a brew. If that's a bit long then at The Stables, go left then left again towards Primrose Lane the carry on as before.
HTH
Carlos
Thks all for the suggestions - we had a nice ride up to Mellor cross and back down for a drink at the Roman Lakes cafe (cash only 🙁 ), a truncated version of carlos' route above.
That extra loop to Rowarth would be one for the future - bit far for him right now, although he's prob not too far away from enjoying that sort of distance.
I was going to post this exact question. I've got three kids 7,10 and 11. The 7 year old is as strong as the 10 year old he beats them both up Llandegla climb.. They can manage Llanegela and Sherwood reds and FOD blue. I'm bored of Llandegla, we had a great day out at Sherwood yesterday but it was a long day from Macc.
Are any of the routes is the vertebrate graphics books any good for kids. Really looking for routes without tonnes of technical climbing or decending.
That Roman Lakes area is a good spot as the routes are adaptable and concentrated in a relatively small area - you could add / subtract small extra loops according to how the kids are doing on the day. There's some hard climbing for young legs but anything rough just gets pushed tbh, which isn't really a problem.
I guess Macc forest isn't the most kid-friendly venue - big climbs involved which ever route you take.
We did Macc forest with the older kids last week, they were tired from there footy and dancing in the morning but managed most of the climbing but moaned about it. The standard forest bridleway doesn't reward the climbing with enough fun especially for kids who've really only ridden trail centers. There are some nice tracks through the forest which might be more fun but they are too wet at the moment.
I'll head up to Roman lakes next weekend to check it out
I’ll head up to Roman lakes next weekend to check it out
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