The Dark Peak has lots to offer with varied bridleways passing through stunning scenery. The network is constantly being improved but still is a little disconnected and this route although amazing, features some sections of roadwork on busy roads to join the bridleways up. Burbage and Longshaw are only 15 minutes from Sheffield and so these areas are always bustling with outdoor enthusiasts from climbers to fell runners. Expect to see ‘Boulderers’ carrying large squishy mats on their backs!
Route Description
1. Leave the carpark and cross over the road by the hexagonal house. Follow this road into and out of the dip. as the road bends left, carry on straight into a gravel car park area. Ride through the car park onto Houndkirk Road, an old roman road. This road can be used by 4x4s and motorcross bikes. It’s technical and rocky and is the slowest section of this route.
2. Continue straight at the junction for Parsons House Activity Centre until the track joins the main road. CAUTION – this road is extremely busy, however there is a wide verge on either side and the traffic has to slow down to negotiate the 90 degree bend in the road by the Fox House pub. Ride to the pub and where the road turns right, ride straight, through a gap in the stone wall into Longshaw Estate. (Note, the stone wall is constantly being knocked down and rebuilt and so if there isn’t a gap at the time you ride this, turn right and take the immediate road junction on the left which brings you to the same place, albeit with a touch more roadwork).
3. Ride down and into Longshaw, following the obvious bridleway markers. Pass through a gate and into a field with sheep, stick to the gravel path heading towards the ‘Wooden Pole’. There’s only two bridleway options and you’re riding a loop so if you take the lower path, just reverse the loop. After riding past the Wooden Pole, cross over the road through a set of two white wooden gates and continue towards a lodge on top of the hill. Ride past this lodge and follow the bridleway as it tracks diagonally back down the hill towards Nether Padley (and the start of the Froggatt ride). Cross back over the road via another set of white gates and follow the lower bridleway back into Longshaw. This time, at the main Longshaw buildings, exit out onto the side road and cross this road to pick up a permissive bridleway taking you to Burbage or Padley Gorge. This track passes through a small coppice. Keep your eyes peeled for a gate on the right – its easy to miss!
4. Cross over the road, through a tiny car park with space for 4 cars max, through a gate and onto the ‘green drive’. This is a relatively new easy access trail through Burbage. The trail is wide and flat and can be seen in the photos on this page. Pass the rocky crags as you go – a favourite spot for local climbers. Be careful of the cows and their young here if riding in Spring.
5. The green drive stops at Upper Burbage car park (an alternative parking option but busy and on a slant). Turn right onto Ringinglow Road and follow the road back to Ringinglow. Be careful of the cattle grids on this route. There are gates to the side by it makes an awful noise when cars drive over them, just as you’re leaning off to do the gate latch.
6. You will see Lady Cannings Plantation infront of you, a sharp triangle of dense green against the moors. Take the gate on the right onto a stony track not dissimilar to Houndkirk Road and then take the bridleway gate into Lady Cannings. Watch out for mountain bikers. This will bring you back out at Ringinglow and the Norfolk Arms.
Parking
This route hasn’t been ridden by the author for 10 years however you used to be able to park at the Norfolk Arms in their campervan section. Contact them first to check availability
Address: Norfolk Arms, Ringinglow S11 7TS
Cost: Charges may apply – but there is electric hook ups and a pub next door!