Best mountain biking trails in Staffordshire, England

A walk from the tiny Staffordshire hamlet of Gradbach (with its mill) and up over open moorland to the high ridge of the Roaches with its magnificent views. Also there is an option to visit the magical ravine of Luds Church. Gradbach is a small hamlet on the River Dane and is a well-known beauty spot from which visitors can gain access to the Roaches and Luds Church. There are a few buildings and a small car park from which the walk starts. On the walk you will need to cross several stiles and negotiate a couple of short flights of stone steps, a river bridge and a few gates. The paths are easy to see but some areas can be boggy and are uneven with rocks and tree roots so a good pair of walking boots is recommended. There are no toilets along the route, the nearest are sited at the Titesworth Reservoir car park about seven miles away. Show more

The walk starts from the small village of Wetton which lies in the Staffordshire Peak District. The village has an inn, a church, and consists of a collection of farmhouses, cottages and a few larger houses. The walk takes you over sections of farmland, down dry dales then along the Manifold Valley Trail where the route passes Thor's Cave, from where you have magnificent views back down the valley. Thor's Cave, high above the River Manifold, has a 60ft entrance and looks quite spectacular. It is one of many caves in the area from which ancient bones and artefacts have been found. The walk is quite challenging with many climbs and descents throughout, some of which are steep and can be slippery. You will need to negotiate several types of stiles (including squeeze, wall and fence) and several gates. Some farmland is crossed so please take care with dogs as these fields may contain livestock. The footpath up to Thor's Cave has many flights of steep wooden steps, and this path could be slippery after wet weather. Public toilets are located at the start of the walk and also at Wetton Mill where you can also obtain refreshments if required (check opening times). The correct map is Explorer OL24 The Peak District White Peak Area. Show more

This trail start at Wetton, then heads to Thor's cave then down to Ilam. Go over the top of Thorpe Cloud and over the edge of the River Dove, then head in to Milldale, Alstonefield and round Narrowdale Hill. After that head in to Hartington for some cheese then make a left towards Ecton, then finally cross the River Manifold to make your way back down to Wetton. Much of the route crosses farmland grazed by cows or sheep, so please keep your dog on the leash. There are stiles, hills and uneven ground throughout the route, as well as a small amount of road walking. Show more

This walk is round a well defined path with gradual gradients. Show more

Note: This is a mountain bike only trail, please do not walk it. This is a great technical mountain bike trail. It includes bigger climbs, more technical descents and optional black graded lines. The trail is intended for experienced and technically competent riders and it is well sign posted. Show more

This is the red route which includes both Follow the Dog and The Monkey Trail. It includes bigger climbs, more technical descents and optional black graded lines. The trail is intended for experienced and technically competent riders. Show more

This trail starts and ends at the Vine Inn - a beautiful, highly rated gastro-pub https://www.vineinnclent.com/Show more

The elliptical route minimises the use of the more popular trails and other challenge routes around the Staffordshire Moorlands and Derbyshire Dales. Starting from Alstonefield, the route goes through Milldale, over Baley Hill, into Nabs Dale, across the Dove at Ilam Rock, climb to Aires Cottage, then descend Bunster Hill, past Ilam Hall, through Musden Woods and up to Slade House Farm, then past Throwley Hall, through Grindon, across the Manifold at Wetton Mill, over Ecton Hill, Hulme End, Sheen, around Sheen Hill, across the River Dove at Pilsbury, Hartington, Beresford Dale, Narrow Dale and back to Alstonefield.Show more