Miles of former railway lines and breath-taking natural backdrops combine to create a haven for cycling in Staffordshire.
A sprawling network of cycle paths and greenways has replaced historic train routes like the South Staffordshire Railway and the Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway, now the Manifold Track, providing ideal spots throughout the county for sedate afternoon bike rides.
Family cycling in Staffordshire
The Staffordshire Moorlands and Peak District has something for every cyclist, with challenging and relaxing routes to choose from.
There’s plenty for beginners, like the Manifold Track, where you can coast along between the rural retreats of Wetton and Ilam, beside the imposing Thor’s Cave which offers superb views of the valley.
Close to the Manifold Valley, the Oakamoor to Denstone Greenway links two of the prettiest Churnet Valley villages, passing through Staffordshire’s Little Switzerland and taking in the stunning architecture of Alton Castle and beautiful Dimmingsdale.
There are family trails to choose from at Cannock Chase, with the Route to Health Sculpture Trail and Fair Oak Pools Trail, in the National Forest, and on the South Staffordshire Railway Walk from Castlecroft to Wall Heath.
If you like a waterside ride, there is an unrivalled choice of towpaths in Staffordshire – we have more miles of canal than any other Shire county.
For gentle courses to enjoy with friends and family, follow the restored towpaths of the picturesque Caldon Canal between the peaks of Buxton and the pots of Stoke on Trent.
And there are loads of choices alongside the Staffordshire & Worcestershire Canal, with routes linking quintessentially English villages like Great Haywood and Kinver, and passing through the expansive parkland of the Shugborough Estate.
For gruelling climbs, take on the 20% gradients of Gun Hill with the rugged outcrops of The Roaches for company, or the long uphill stretches of Larkstone Lane in the Manifold Valley.
Mountain bike trails in Staffordshire
There’s world-class mountain biking in Staffordshire at Cannock Chase, with cross-country courses like Follow the Dog and The Monkey Trail, and the Stile Cop Downhill Trails, packed with berms, booters and kickers to get your heart racing.
The Pedal and Play Trail is perfect for beginner mountain-bikers, while the Perry’s Trail is a new moderate trail named after the mascot for the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, taking in some of the route used in the Games mountain-biking events.
