Spicer Manor sits in stunning Yorkshire countryside close to the Peak District National Park, making it the ideal location for getting on your bike. From flat off-road routes along old railway lines to more challenging climbs, the area has something to suit everyone, from beginners to experienced riders. Here are a few routes you could try during your stay. 

The Trans Pennine Trail

Running across the country from Southport to Hornsea, the Trans Pennine Trail offers 370 miles of signed cycle routes, much of which are off-road. The ten-mile section of the trail close to Spicer Manor runs from Dunford Bridge to Wortley along the route of the historic Woodhead railway line, providing a gentle gradient suitable for all riders. If that’s not enough, you can then continue into Wharncliffe Woods and explore the wide range of bike trails. The Trans Pennine trail has access points from the road in Millhouse Green and Penistone.

Slow tour of Yorkshire

The Trans-Pennine Trail is one of many cycle routes which form part of the ‘slow tour of Yorkshire’, set up to encourage less experienced cyclists to get on their bikes and ride easy off-road routes around the region. 

There are 21 ‘stages’ across Yorkshire, some of which are close to Spicer Manor and worth exploring. These include Sheffield to Rotherham following the route of the River Don, Barnsley to Old Moor nature reserve along another part of the Trans Pennine Trail, or Dewsburry to Oakenshaw alongside the Calder and Hebble Navigation Canal. All of these routes have bike hire and parking close by.

Le Tour hill climbs

If you’re looking for a more challenging ride, you might want to follow part of the Tour de France route when it came through Yorkshire back in 2014. This area is full of challenging ascents, many of which were tackled by the likes of Chris Froome and Mark Cavendish.

Holme Moss was part of the tour route and is brutal. You’ll climb over a thousand feet in just four miles from Holmfirth to the summit, but you’re rewarded with magnificent views across the Holme Valley. This route has become one of the most popular climbs in the area thanks to the Tour de France, so you’re unlikely to be alone as you tackle this ascent.

Alternatively, you could follow the undulating section of the Tour route from Midhopestones to Grenoside. Very few parts of this ten-mile route are flat, with four hill climb sections and steep descents, making the ride a challenging one for even the most experienced cyclists. When you make it to the end, you can then return to Spicer Manor using the previously mentioned (and much flatter!) Trans Pennine Trail through Wharncliffe Woods and back to Penistone.

If you go cycling during your stay at Spicer Manor, we’d love to see your photos. Tag us in on Facebook and Instagram @SpicerManor.