Family cycling on the Longdendale Trail, Peak District — flat traffic-free path beside the reservoir

Cycling the Longdendale Trail with Children — A Family Guide

The Longdendale Trail is one of the best family cycling routes in the north of England — traffic-free, largely flat, and accessible from Manchester by train. This guide covers everything you need to plan a great day out with children.

About the Longdendale Trail

The Longdendale Trail runs along the Longdendale Valley in the Peak District, following a former railway line through a series of reservoirs. It forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail and runs from Hadfield in the west to Woodhead in the east — approximately 6.5 miles one way.

The trail is managed by Derbyshire County Council and is open to cyclists, walkers, and horse riders. It is traffic-free throughout.

Is it suitable for young children?

Yes — the Longdendale Trail is one of the most family-friendly cycling routes in the Peak District. The surface is a mix of tarmac and compacted gravel, suitable for most bikes and bike trailers. The gradient is gentle throughout, with no significant climbs.

Most families with young children ride 2–4 miles out and back, turning around when the children have had enough. There’s no pressure to complete the full route.

Suitable for:

  • Children in bike trailers (from around 12 months)
  • Children on balance bikes and small pedal bikes
  • Children on tag-alongs (trailer bikes)
  • Family groups at a relaxed pace

The route

Start point: Hadfield — access the trail from the Platt Street / Station Road area, a short walk from Hadfield station. Peak Bike Station is right at the start of the trail.

Surface: tarmac and compacted gravel throughout. Suitable for bike trailers, road bikes, hybrids, and mountain bikes.

Gradient: largely flat with a very gentle incline heading east. Most families find it easy in both directions.

Distance: 6.5 miles one way. For families with young children, 2–4 miles out and back is a comfortable target.

What you’ll see: the trail runs alongside the Longdendale reservoirs — Bottoms, Valehouse, Rhodeswood, Torside, and Woodhead. The scenery is open moorland and reservoir views throughout. Look out for lapwings, curlews, and red grouse on the higher ground.

Facilities

Hadfield — excellent cafes and facilities at the start of the trail. Stock up before you head out.

Torside — approximately 3 to 3.5 miles from Hadfield, there are public toilets at Torside. A good natural turnaround point for families with young children.

On the trail — no other facilities between Hadfield and Torside. Bring food and water, particularly if you’re riding with young children.

Hiring a bike trailer in Hadfield

If you’re travelling with children who are too young to ride independently, you can hire a Burley Bee double bike trailer from Peak Bike Station. The trailer carries two children up to a combined weight of 45kg and is suitable from around 12 months.

We’re based at the start of the trail — collect the trailer, we fit the hitch to your bike, and you’re on the trail within minutes.

Book trailer hire — Burley Bee double, Hadfield

Getting there

By train: Hadfield is the last stop on the Glossop line from Manchester Piccadilly. The journey takes around 50 minutes. Northern Rail accepts bikes subject to space — aim to travel outside peak hours. The last train back is at 22:44; Sunday services run to a different timetable.

By car: there is parking in Hadfield near the trail access point on Platt Street / Station Road. Further parking is available at Torside further along the trail. Postcode for Hadfield: SK13 1AA.

Tips for cycling with young children

  • Start early — the trail gets busier at weekends and during school holidays, particularly in summer
  • Bring more snacks than you think you need
  • Let the children set the pace — there’s no rush and the scenery rewards stopping
  • Check the weather before you go and bring a waterproof layer just in case
  • If children are in a trailer, make sure they have a helmet — we don’t provide helmets with hire, so bring your own
  • A basic puncture kit is worth carrying — there are no bike shops on the trail

Further reading

Peak Bike Station is based in Hadfield at the start of the Longdendale Trail. Bike trailer hire available — book online or contact us to check availability.

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