Thursday 1st April – Monday 5th April 2010

From the limestone cliffs of the White Peak to the gritstone crags of the Dark Peak, and back, with off road options. The tour will be of 'two star' grade. The Peak District is not flat, and although not mountains, the climbs can be steep, so wide range touring gears are required. Off road options are generally well graded, and suitable for a normal touring bike.

Our itinerary is:

Thursday 1st

Own travel to Burton on Trent (change at Derby or Birmingham) and ride south 12km to National Forest Youth Hostel.

Friday 2nd

To Ashbourne, gateway to the Peak, for lunch. Then off road on the Tissington Trail, or Dove Dale and the Manifold Valley to Youlgrave YH. 70km.

Saturday 3rd

Through the dales and villages of the White Peak, via Bakewell, Ashford, Monsal Dale, Tideswell, and Peak Forest to descend the notorious Winnats pass to Castleton and Hathersage YH. A day for low gears and good brakes. 40km (plus possible extension to Edale).

Sunday 4th

A circuit of the Derwent Valley reservoirs of Dam Busters fame, part off road, under the Gritstone crags of the Dark Peak to Eyam YH and the plague village. 50km.

Monday 5th

A tourist route through Chatsworth Park and Matlock to Derby. 50km.

Optional extensions to ride out and back:

• Monday 29th Jordans YH (in the Chilterns).
• Tuesday 30th Oxford YH – 60km.
• Wednesday 31st Stratford on Avon YH – 70km.
• Thursday 1st National Forest YH – 70km.

• Monday 5th National Forest YH – 70km.
• Tuesday 6th Thurlby YH – 90km.
• Wednesday 7th Cambridge YH – 75km.

More information from Paul Lohr (07956 891490).