20 Cycle Rides in The Peak District & Heart of England

A neat little cardboard carton contains 20 folded cards with a clear colour map on one side and instructions on the other. An extra concertina folding card is included giving details of the area and tips for safe cycling etc. Numbers highlighted on along the route correspond with the numbers in the concise instructions. The rides vary from 6 1/2 miles to 17 miles. Most are circular although some rely on returning by the same route. They are in the midlands with an emphasis on the Peak District. They are graded according to gradients and length of route. Details are supplied of expected timings, type of terrain, landscape, availability of public toilets and pubs.

The rides cover a large area ranging from Longdendale in the north (near Glossop) to Wombourne at the southern limit (near Birmingham). In-between there is a great variety of landscape from the woodland of Cannock Chase to a long circuit around Rutland Water. Most of the routes use off road trails, disused railway lines, bridleways and other permitted tracks, although inevitably it is necessary to resort  to roads sometimes.Therefore they are aimed at mountain bike users although some routes could easily be done on a road bike. The cards are small enough to fit in a shirt pocket, making this an easy to use, good value product.