Winster & Ambergate Trail & Canal Loop

Service Description

The full day version of our Ambergate to Winster Tour can start from either hub. From Ambergate it follows a lovely heritage road, climbing high onto Alderwasley Moor. The route then descends onto rural tracks before entering ancient woodland. Near Black Rock you will pass into a tunnel with the High Peak Trail above which you will revisit later when homeward bound. It is then down to the wonderful Oakhill Hotel where refreshment could be taken in their wonderful dining room or gardens. A short climb on the Via Gellia road to discover wonderful Bonsall. Its quirky 'hen racing" pub and its notoriety as a UFO hotspot on the Moor above housing haunting relics of bygone lead mining days. Half way point brings you to our Miners Standard hub, a lovely spot for lunch in Winster before your return leg! The return route follows minor roads and farm tracks before reaching Minninglow car park (our access to the High Peak Trail). Here impressive engineering embankments provide a reminder of the importance of the Cromford and High Peak Railway era. The High Peak Trail is then followed to Black Rock. Workshops, Engine Houses and remarkable engineering inclines provide great local interest and are all well documented with information signs en-route. The gradients also make for exciting cycling! At the Cromford Canal the tour travels south along another bygone era of transportation as it hugs the canal tow path from High Peak Junction until Ambergate is reached. Immerse yourself in the history of the area whilst cycling through the White Peaks and Southern Pennines. Difficulty - Intermediate Red Tour Theme - Transportation & Historic Sites Surface - Minor roads, cycle trails and canal tow path (Short section on Via Gellia main road) Distance - 31.6 miles Time allocated - 6 hours Refreshment Stop Options - Alderwasley, Oakhill Hotel, Cromford, Bonsall, Winster, High Peak Visitor Centre, Black Rock, High Peak Junction, Whatstandwell & Ambergate. Tour Ref - 21