The Pennines, Spine of England, form a spectacular backdrop to the lesser known Pennine Cycleway. A challenging yet very rewarding route which comprises of changing landscapes with steep sections in parts.

The Pennine Cycleway at 355 miles is England’s longest cycle route, accompanied by a canal embankment, textile mills and market towns, as-well as un-equalled scenery and stunning english moorland.

The route covers a variety of paths, roads and national cycle routes; the green corridor of the Leeds and Liverpool canal towpath and bridle tracks near Clapham have the benefit of being traffic-free, a dream for all cyclists.

Route 68 between Derbyshire and North Northumberland can be broken up into sections, the last third (Pennine Cycleway - North) can be attempted as part of the total miles or as a shorter ride, the cycle route to Berwick from Appleby (150 miles) or Penrith (138 miles) is equally fantastic, passing through areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty of the North Pennines and Northumberland National Park.

The first leg of this epic journey from Derby to Holmfirth (Pennine Cycleway – Peak District) via Ashbourne and Buxton covers a distance of 80 miles. Linking National Cycle Routes 6, 62, 67 and 68. Passing through traffic-free Tissington and Longdendale Trails, linking in with part of the High Peak District Trail.

The middle section of this route (Pennine Cycleway – South) takes you 124 miles from Holmfirth to Appleby and can be broken into 3 sections beginning with Holmfirth to Hebden Bridge, a 22 mile journey includes a serious climb at Upperthong Lane which is rewarded with a long descent into Sowerby Bridge before Hebden Bridge.
Hebden to Settle is 46 miles and can be split, one route takes you past Burnley or you can take the prettier alternative direction to Coine, cycling towards Widdop Reservoir and over the Moor, joining in with the stunning Yorkshire Dales and into Airton before a steep climb to Settle.

Settle to Appleby, the final 56 miles of your fantastic adventure cycle journey, begins on quiet roads through Clapham and Ingleton. You’re able to take in the wonderful views of Ingleborough Peak before Kingsdale and Dent. The quiet roads around Sedburgh give opportunity to take in the beauty of Howgill Fells before Orton and the final steady climb into Appleby.

There haven’t been many to complete or even attempt the full length of this route and we would suggest you picked a section and completed it as an individual cycle ride, giving you cause to return for another cycle tour to complete all three sections.

We can fully support your ride from start to finish and supply bike transport to the start point and collection from the end point. Baggage transfers can also be arranged and delivered to your chosen accommodation along the route ahead of your arrival.

Eco Cycle Adventures has capabilities to cater for all sized groups.

Our fleet comprises of cars, mini buses and mini coaches, fully equipped with specialised bike trailers and top of the range Thule bike carriers. We regularly service the Pennine Cycleway routes with 8 – 16 & 22 people with bikes, but we have capacity to take up to 70+ at one time.