The best MTB trails around New Mills

The New Mills area, situated on the edge of the Peak District, offers a diverse range of terrain. You'll encounter gritstone features typical of the Dark Peak, as well as limestone areas. This translates to steep, rocky tracks, expansive open moorland, and picturesque lanes. The Goyt Valley provides demanding climbs and technical descents, while the Sett Valley Trail offers a gentler, shared-use path along a former railway line.

Yes, there are options for less experienced riders and families. The Sett Valley Trail is a 2.5-mile (4.0 km) shared-use path connecting New Mills to Hayfield, following a former railway line. It's relatively gentle with a good surface, making it suitable for a relaxed ride. Overall, the area has 7 easy routes out of 30 available tours.

For more advanced riders, New Mills offers several challenging routes. The View of Hope Valley – Roych Clough Downhill Trail loop from New Mills Central is a difficult 27.5-mile route featuring panoramic vistas and demanding descents. Another option is the Roych Clough Downhill Trail – Hayfield Descent loop from New Mills Newtown, which includes sections of the technical Roych Clough Downhill Trail.

The trails around New Mills offer access to stunning natural features. You can explore the dramatic Torrs Gorge, where the River Goyt flows, or ride through the scenic Goyt Valley and Sett Valley. Nearby attractions include the Mam Tor summit and trig point, Kinder Low Trig Point, and Higher Shelf Stones Summit and Trig Point, offering incredible viewpoints. You might also encounter waterfalls like Grindsbrook Clough or Seven Falls Waterfalls.

Yes, many routes around New Mills are designed as loops. For example, the Monks Descent to Lantern Pike – Lantern Pike loop from Rowarth is a moderate 10.7-mile circular trail. Other loops explore areas like Mellor, Roman Lakes, and Rowarth, offering varied distances and difficulties.

The mountain bike trails around New Mills are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 50 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, from gritstone edges and open moorland to river valleys, and appreciate the options available for different ability levels.

New Mills is well-connected by train, making it convenient for cyclists using public transport. The town has two train stations, New Mills Central and New Mills Newtown, which provide easy access to various trailheads and allow for combining train travel with rides to or from destinations within the Peak District.

The Peak District, including the New Mills area, offers mountain biking opportunities year-round. However, spring and autumn often provide the most pleasant conditions with cooler temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer can be great, but trails might be busier. Winter riding is possible but requires appropriate gear for potentially wet, muddy, or icy conditions, especially on higher moorland trails.

While many trails in the Peak District are accessible to dogs, it's crucial to keep them under close control, especially near livestock. Shared-use paths like the Sett Valley Trail are generally suitable for dogs on a lead. Always check local signage and be mindful of other trail users and wildlife.

While specific cafes directly on every route might vary, New Mills itself has amenities. The Hayfield Descent – Sett Valley Cafe loop from New Mills suggests there are facilities like the Sett Valley Cafe nearby. Many routes pass through or near villages where you can find pubs and cafes to refuel.

The mountain bike trails around New Mills vary significantly in length. You can find shorter routes, such as the Black Lane to Mellor Cross – Mellor Cross loop from New Mills Central at about 8.9 miles (14.3 km). Longer, more challenging routes like the View of Hope Valley – Roych Clough Downhill Trail loop from New Mills Central can extend to 27.5 miles (44.3 km).