Derbyshire and the Peak District National Park has 5 muliti use trails set up along former railway tracks making them ideal for easy walking, cycling and horse riding.
These are:
Tissington Trail
The Tissington Trail set up by the Peak National Park is a scenic route 13 miles in length, running from Mapleton Lane, north of Ashbourne, to Parsley Hay. The trail follows the old Buxton to Ashbourne railway and the rambler or rider finds himself travelling through the matchless countryside of the National Park without the interference of cars, pollution or noise. Read more Tissington Trail
The Longendale Trail
The Longendale Trail runs from the station at Hadfield to the entrance to the Woodhead tunnel, a distance of about 12 miles. It has fine views across the Longendale Valley and the reservoirs which fill it and over to Black Hill to the north. Read more Longdendale Trail
The Monsal Trail
The Monsal Trail runs from just east of Bakewell station to Blackwell Mill, a few miles downstream of Buxton on the river Wye.
It is unsuitable for cycling at its western half, with rocky diversions around closed tunnels, but the section from Bakewell to Longstone offers pleasant and easy cycling, though like the Longendale Trail the best return route is along the trail itself. Cycle hire is available near Bakewell station. Read more Monsal Trail
The High Peak Trail
The High Peak Trail runs from Parsley Hay to Cromford, using the route of the former High Peak Railway.
This is perhaps the most interesting of the trails because this railway was not level but had several quite steep inclines, which now provide variety for the cyclist - even though you are advised not to cycle down them. It is also much less straight than other railways, with sharp curves which seem to give frequent changes of view. Cycle hire is available at Parsley Hay and Middleton Top. Read more High Peak Trail
The Manifold and Hamps Trail
The Manifold and Hamps Trail runs from Hulme End to Waterhouses, with cycle hire available at the old station in Waterhouses. Like the Tissington Trail, this offers possible round trips using the trail as the outward route and quiet country lanes for the return journey.
Read more Manifold Trail