Family Bike Packing

This is something I used to do 30 years ago, long before it was called bike packing and long before children!!

We all love riding bikes and enjoy a night away from home. Our first adventure was in July 2021, a days ride to Castleton, in the sun. The second trip was a little damp and cold! We cycled just over 60km around the Peaks in February 2022. We experienced every kind of weather - wind, rain, sleet, snow… Cold fingers and toes were the order of the the day but we all loved it! “Is THIS the last hill dad?” could be heard, frequently!

February 2023 - In sunshine!

Having survived the weather in 2022 we came back for more in 2023 and the weather was amazing.

After a busy few weeks it was great to be able to spend time with the family and catchup. As adults we know of the benefits of walking and cycling with friends, the same can be said for children. Pedalling along, chatting, laughing, planning the next meal, wondering about the next hill and all in the stunning Peak District National Park.

The route had been planned to be off-road as much as possible and to avoid ‘the big hills dad!’ A fine mix of The Monsal, Tissington and High Peaks Trails, with the odd climb where needed, like the stunning Long Dale out of Hartington. Well worth a ride if you’ve never done it.

Accommodation wise we used Hartington Youth Hostel (a family en-suite room) and a shipping container (a first but it was fantastic) at Gulliver’s Kingdom in Matlock Bath.

A key ingredient to the success of the trip - food. A great opportunity to explore some of the cafes and pubs in The Peaks. Freddie apparently had the ‘best burger ever’ followed by ‘the best fish ever!’

Over three days we cycled just over 90km, climbed around 700m and descended down some awesome hills.

Get in touch if you’d like us to plan a route for you and your family.

To The Thames - not a Peak District in site! November 2023 and it was time for another trip. This time, a one day ride from just inside the M25 to the River Thames. Nearly all of it off-road! And flat! Or maybe even downhill.

A 30km route suitable for the whole family, get in touch if you fancy giving it a go.