White Peak Grimpeur

Peak Audax CTC runs a series of 100km Audax rides every Wednesday in August from Marple, near Stockport.  The rides are all about 70 miles long, with lots of challenging climbs and spectacular descents in the Peak District. Cycling in the Peak District is enjoyable but by its very nature, is quite strenuous, so the suggestion is that you take all day and enjoy the views.

The White Peak Grimpeur, as the name might suggest, takes in the limestone areas of the Peak District.  You cycle up the (in our case) inappropriately named Rushup Edge, through Perry Dale, Monsall Dale, Long Dale, The Jarnett and Peak Dale.  There is a stop at perhaps our favourite cafe, The Old Smithy at Monyash, but cyclists are also welcome at the No Car Cafe at Rushup and at Hobb's Cafe at Monsall Head, with a selection of cafes and shops in Tideswell and Hartington, so there's no need to go hungry and thirsty on this ride.

Some of the tourist 'honeypot' sites can get a bit busy in summer, which is why we run it on a Wednesday, when we usually attract 60 or so cyclists, but the ride can be completed on another day as an Audax Perm, or you can just follow the GPX track and ride it any time to suit; just pick a good day.

The ride starts in Marple, where there is a Pay and Display car park near the library.  Marple's two stations are served by regular trains from Manchester.  We finish at the Ring O'Bells in Marple, a fine canal-side Robinson's pub.

There is even a get-out option, if you feel you have bitten off more than you can chew.  Regular trains run from Buxton and Dove Holes to Disley, which is just a short ride back to Marple. 

There are plenty of details at www.delphcyclist.info/WhitePeak.html for the August version, and the Perm version is at www.delphcyclist.info/WhitePerm.html, including route sheets and GPX files.