Family Cycling in the Peak District: Your Complete Guide

The Peak District is one of the best places in England for a family cycling day out. Traffic-free trails, stunning scenery, and routes suitable for all ages make it a natural choice for families with young children. But if your little ones aren't quite ready to pedal the whole way themselves, a bike trailer is the answer — and we've got you covered.

The Best Family Cycling Routes in the Peak District

1. Monsal Trail — The Classic Choice

The Monsal Trail is arguably the most spectacular cycling route in the Peak District. Running 8.5 miles from Blackwell Mill to Coombs Road near Bakewell, it passes through five restored Victorian railway tunnels and offers breathtaking views of the Wye Valley. It's entirely traffic-free, mostly flat, and perfect for families with young children in a bike trailer.

Distance: 8.5 miles one way (17 miles return)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Families with children of all ages, trailer hire

2. Tissington Trail — Gentle & Scenic

The Tissington Trail follows a former railway line for 13 miles from Ashbourne to Parsley Hay, passing through the pretty village of Tissington with its famous well dressings. It's one of the flattest routes in the Peak District, making it ideal for families pulling a trailer.

Distance: 13 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Younger children, first family cycling trips

3. Manifold Way — Hidden Gem

Less busy than the Monsal Trail, the Manifold Way follows the River Manifold through a peaceful limestone valley. At just 8 miles, it's a manageable distance for a half-day family outing.

Distance: 8 miles one way
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Quieter days out, picnic stops

Cycling with Young Children: What You Need to Know

What Age Can Children Go in a Bike Trailer?

Most bike trailers, including the Burley Bee, are suitable for children from around 12 months (once they can hold their head up with a helmet on) up to approximately 6–7 years old, or up to 45kg combined weight for a double trailer. Always use a properly fitted cycle helmet.

How Far Can You Cycle with a Trailer?

A good rule of thumb is to plan for roughly half the distance you'd normally cycle. Trailers add weight and wind resistance, so a 10-mile ride with a trailer feels more like 15 miles without one. The flat trails of the Peak District are ideal — the Tissington Trail in particular is very manageable even for less experienced cyclists.

Hire a Burley Bee Trailer from Peak Bike Station

Rather than buying a trailer you'll only use a few times a year, why not hire one? At Peak Bike Station, we offer  the day Burley-bee-trailer-hire-in-Hadfield  one of the only places in the Peak District where you can do so.

The Burley Bee is the UK's most trusted family bike trailer. It seats two children, folds flat for easy transport, and comes with a rain cover for those unpredictable Derbyshire days. Our team will fit it to your bike and show you how everything works before you set off.

Book your Burley Bee trailer hire here →

Tips for a Successful Family Cycling Day Out

• Start early — the trails get busy on weekends and school holidays, especially the Monsal Trail
• Pack snacks and drinks — children in trailers can't regulate their temperature as well, so keep them hydrated
• Bring layers — Peak District weather changes quickly, even in summer
• Plan a halfway stop — a cafe or picnic spot gives everyone a break and makes the day feel like an adventure
• Check your bike before you go — lubed chain, pumped tyres, working brakes. Need supplies? Browse our bike maintenance range

Getting Here

Peak Bike Station is based in Derbyshire, ideally located for access to the Monsal Trail, Tissington Trail, and the wider Peak District cycling network. Book your trailer hire online and we'll have everything ready for your arrival.

Questions? Get in touch — we're always happy to help plan your family cycling day out in the Peak District.