Sheffield to Litton and Tideswell
From Pedalpushers
Tideswell & Litton lie at the heart off the White Peak, the limestone plateau that forms the southern part of the Peak District. To the south lie the deep dales - Miller's Dale, Ravenstonedale, Cresswell and others. The area is rich in geological features, flora and fauna - orchids abound when in season. Visit this fascinating area the sustainable way with Pedal Pushers.
You can also start or finish this ride from Grindleford Station on the Manchester- Sheffield line.
To leave Sheffield, we recommend the Peak Park 50th Anniversary Route as far as Ringinglow. On Ringinglow Rd, first turn left, then first right onto Sheephill Rd. If you're on a mountain bike - you might like to try Houndkirk Lane which sets off on your right, but it's been badly broken up by 4WD and trail motorbikes, so if you're on a road bike follow Sheephill down to the A625 where you turn right and climb to the summit, and briefly downhill to Fox House, where you can meet up with your off-road friends again.
And here, a note on cycling on main roads in Derbyshire. These can seem pretty intimidating - narrow, with blind bends, steep hills and fast traffic. However, regular drivers on these roads are used to seeing cyclists and will treat you with respect as long as you behave sensibly. Don't travel two abreast if there is traffic - it may be your legal right, but you won't make any friends, and frustration on the part of drivers can cause accidents. Remember that your playground is another's workplace, and the road is a more dangerous place to work than a building site, so cycle with circumspection.
Following the A625 round the corner, take the B6521 first left to Grindleford, and enjoy the fast downhill past the turning for the Station into the village - the traffic lights for the bridge will detect bikes, so be patient here, continuing through the village and starting to climb, look out for the right turn to Eyam (The road is benefitting from subsidence, so is passable on a bike and carries little traffic)
Continue climbing through the plague village of Eyam to Foolow, and at the crossroads for Great Hucklow take the left fork. Passing the next crossroads, you will see the Skeleton Barn:
soon you will emerge on the B6049 - down the dip and up the other side & you will be at the crossroads with the A623 which is fast and busy, turn right then left, then immediately left for Litton or straight on for Tideswell where there is a useful tea shop & an excellent fish'n'chip shop.
