These are extremely useful – even on a rainy day. As well as reducing glare from bright or low sun, they also keep flying insects, mud and driving rain out of the eyes. Some mountain-bikers wear ‘clear’ shades on every ride, just to keep the mud out of their eyes.
Breathable upper and lower layers
Enough for the time of year, little enough not to be overburdened – this is very much a personal preference, but a spare lightweight fleece or long-sleeved cycling top is often a good idea if setting out with minimal clothing. Rear pockets on cycling jerseys are surprisingly useful for stowing lightweight items that need to be accessed regularly, such as a route printout or packet of sweets.
Cycling shoes and SPD pedals
As you progress in your cycling and tackle longer and harder routes, you may find that clip-in (SPD) pedals become worthwhile. As well as holding the cyclist’s feet to the pedals on bouncy ground (which isn’t any benefit to a terrified novice but can be helpful to the experienced), these allow the rider to pull up with the feet on each revolution of the pedals as well as pushing down. This results in a more efficient use of energy – especially going uphill. To start with a pair of trainers with stiff soles will suffice (the stiffer the sole the better, as cycling a lot in flexible-soled shoes can lead to foot problems). Do make sure that any laces are securely tucked away from pedals though!
Adding SPD plates to specialist cycling shoes is best left until you’re sure it’s worth the outlay in money and the ‘getting used to’ time
What to take
Helmet
Although many hire centres will encourage you to wear a helmet, there is no requirement under UK law to wear one and this is entirely up to the individual rider to decide for themselves (although it is a particularly good idea for younger children, or if challenging your comfort zone on- or off-road).
Lock
A lock would be a good idea if you plan to leave your cycle unattended for longer periods of time, or in larger towns. Most indoor accommodation can usually provide somewhere reasonably secure to leave a cycle overnight (but do check before you book).
Toolkit
See Appendix D for more information.
Basic first aid kit
This should be just large enough to treat the basics if one of your party comes off their bike, without being overly heavy and cumbersome. For minor cuts, bruises and gravel rash, plenty of antiseptic wipes, antiseptic cream, plasters (various sizes), wound pads/dressings (5cm+ sizes), wound closure strips, small tweezers and painkillers should do the trick. Oh, and don’t forget some chocolate for the casualty to eat!
Water bottles
These (one or two, depending on route length) can be held in frame-mounted bottle cages.
Luggage
Although it is possible to carry day kit in a small rucksack, it is much more pleasant and comfortable to carry things in a handlebar bag, saddlebag, rear rack bag or panniers for larger loads. There is a growing trend for ‘bikepacking’ bags, which are smaller, more aerodynamic and lighter weight, but waterproofing is still rare and they are more awkward to access during the ride.
Handlebar bags with a clear top pocket to carry a map can be very useful. However, a combination of small waterproof pouch on the bar stem for a mobile phone (with electronic GPX route/map), plus a small barbag and/or a small ‘tri’ (triathlon) bag mounted above or below the top tube for snacks and other small items may now be a better option.
All luggage should be properly and securely fitted using appropriate brackets, with panniers also requiring a rear rack. Beware of wheels becoming snagged by loose straps or floppy panniers.
Maps
Hawthorn tree standing above limestone dales near Monsal Head (above Route 11)
Whereas paper maps used to be the norm for cycling, these days it’s hard to argue against electronic mapping on a smartphone – such as that provided by the Viewranger app (from app stores or www.viewranger.com/en-gb) or Memory Map (www.memory-map.co.uk). Both Ordnance Survey (OS) and OpenMapping (OpenCycleMap etc) are supported by Viewranger; just OS by Memory Map.
For those who still prefer paper maps, the OS 1:50,000 Landranger series normally offers the ideal weight-to-information compromise for cyclists (or if doing long-distance tours, the relevant pages taken from a 1:250,000 road atlas can be preferable). However, the Peak District is such a compact area, and the OS 1:25,000 Explorer series maps 1 and 24 cover so much of the region in just two maps, that these may well be the best choice for many routes.
The following Transpennine Trail maps may also be of use:
Map 1: West – Irish Sea to Yorkshire
Map 2: Central – Derbyshire and Yorkshire
Ordnance Survey maps can be found in good bookstores in larger towns or online, but often the relevant local sheets can be found in village stores. Transpennine Trail maps are best bought in advance over the internet.
HPT/TT on OS maps
Note that the High Peak Trail (HPT) and Tissington Trail (TT) are not marked as such on some maps. Instead they are both marked as Pennine Bridleway (PBW). HPT runs roughly south-east from Parsley Hay to Cromford; TT runs roughly south from Parsley Hay to Ashbourne.
Waymarking and access
Waymarking signs
Many of the routes in this book make use of Sustrans’ National Cycle Network routes (denoted as NCN68 etc). These are often waymarked via sticky signs on lampposts and other street furniture. Some waymarkers, however, are still the traditional metal signpost; in town centres it is important to reserve judgment, as they don’t always remain pointing in the correct direction!
Sustrans metal NCN waymarker sign
Cyclists have a right of way on bridleways, restricted byways (no motorised vehicles) and byways (all vehicles also allowed). They may also have rights on routes specially designated as cycleways or cyclepaths. They do not have a ‘right’ of way anywhere else. Concessionary bridleways allow cyclists, but (like concessionary footpaths) confer no specific ‘right’ of passage, and the concession can legally be withdrawn at any time by the landowner; it’s rare that concessionary footpaths also allow cyclists, but not totally unknown – signs should make this obvious.
Bridleways are usually marked with a blue arrow; byways with a ‘byway’ sign, or sometimes a red arrow; footpaths are usually marked with a yellow arrow. A yellow arrow is usually, but not always, an indication that cyclists may not ride. Concessionary paths (bridleways and footpaths) are often marked with a white arrow.
The situation with
