Stunning Mountain Bike Ride From Rowsley

24th January 202327th January 2023 Phil 0 Comments

Ride Stats

Start and Finish: Rowsley

Distance: 14 miles

Total Ascent: 500m

Terrain: Hilly, mostly bridleway with some off-road and rough ground

Suitable for: MTB and e-bikes

The Route

This month’s route features a stunning mountain bike ride From Rowsley via Chatsworth and Beeley. With some off-road action taking in the views of Chatsworth Estate.

We start off at Rowsley famous for Caudwell’s Mill which has stood on this site for over 400 years. Furthermore, the mill is still operating and quality flours are available in the mill shop as well as an onsite cafe and craft center.

From here we leave the main road and head up Church Lane. Sadly there’s no warm-up on this route and the gradient quickly increases and will test many riders. The first section of the climb is about a mile long before flattening out which makes for a good spot for a rest. The next section is around a mile to the summit taking in a steep track. This takes you into the first wooded area known as Manners wood at around 290m.

With the first major climb completed we look forward to a few miles of descending. After skirting the edge of New Piece Wood we pop out above the historic Chatsworth county estate with views of the Chatsworth House and gardens. The first house to be built on the Chatsworth estate was constructed in 1549 by Bess of Hardwick and her husband Sir William Cavendish. Today Chatsworth house and the 105-acre gardens are available for the public to visit.

From here we drop down toward Edensor through the estate grounds. Take care to avoid the livestock grazing in the area and particularly the deer, sheep, and cows that roam the area. It is also worth watching out for the occasional bomb hole on the way down.

At this point, you could take a detour over to Chatsworth for a look around. However, the main route heads back along the A6 for a short time, towards Carlton Lees and across the Derwent River.

Take a left off the main road onto Beeley Bar Lane for the main climb of the day. This starts as a steep road initially. Before quickly turning into a rough bridleway leading up to the edge of Beeley moor at 300m. There are a few options to turn into the woods near here if you want to explore a little more.

Turn left again onto Beeley Lane. Then right onto Flash Lane and follow the road until you hit the woods again. There are a number of plantations in this area including Whitesprings, Forty Acre Piece, and Halldale woods. If you feel like exploring there are options for adding in some extra off-roading by exploring this area .

Heading on we go down again along Back Lane, previously a rocky rough descent impassible by car but recently resurfaced. This pops us out at Two Dales near Darley Dale.

From here we take a path that runs alongside the railway line back to Rowsley. Rowsley South station is still active and steam train rides are available.

Just after leaving the station area, there’s an option to nip into the woods that run along the Derwent. This makes for a nice finish to this ride back at Rowsley.