Windmill Cycle Club Special Event

Peak District

Big Weekender 2026

Event Status:

GAME ON!

FULLY BOOKED

Organiser(s):

Scott Morrell

Start Date:

Friday

June 5, 2026

Ride Start:

Upper Derwent Visitor Centre, Derbyshire

Start Time:

TBC

A new base for this trip, with lovely accommodation shared between the riders ensuring all the home comforts after a hard day in the saddle. 3 amazing days of riding, each offering a fantastic mix of trails in the local area.

Places in the pre-booked accommodation are FULL, but the site offers camping facilities, so that's an option if you fancy joining in on this one.

Event Details:

Day One

Friday 5th June 2026

Travel to the Upper Derwent Visitor Centre in the morning, with a view to starting the ride at Midday

Today's ride takes us on a 21 mile adventure taking in the famous "Cutgate Pass". This is a there and back route, taking in a mixture of open moorland and scenic trails around Derwent Dam.

We then travel onto our accommodation in Castleton, which will serve as our base for the weekend. Later on that evening we will venture out to a local pub for our evening meal.

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Visit the Event Website here

Route Overview Video

Plotaroute Long Route

Plotaroute Medium Route

Event Details:

Day Two

Saturday 6th June 2026

The all day adventure see's us riding a loop round the Hope Valley, there is the option of a shorter or longer loop today.

Both routes take in some of the best riding there is to be had in the area. Today's ride takes us up Mam Tor, along Stanage Edge and down through rocky gorges.

Saturday evening see's us dining out again in another local pub.

Route Overview Video

Plotaroute Long Route

Plotaroute Medium Route

Event Details:

Day Three

Sunday 7th June 2026

The final ride of our Peak District adventure takes us up towards "Hope Cross." From there, we head down the infamous "Potato Alley" and "Hagg Farm" trails.

Again, there is a short and long version for today's ride, depending on how your legs are feeling this morning after the two previous days of riding.

Finishing in the afternoon, that see's our weekend adventure in the Peak District come to an end.

From here, we head home, with miles in our legs and memories made.

Route Overview Video

Plotaroute Long Route

Plotaroute Medium Route

To register your interest in this event, please join our Facebook Group

Event T&C's (kinda)

Costs

If fees have been taken, the organiser(s) of the event will do everything they can to offer you a full refund if the event has to be cancelled. If you are not able to attend but have reserved and paid for accommodation booked via WCC, the organiser cannot refund your deposit. You are welcome to offer your place to anyone else and ask that they reimburse your fee. The organiser(s) will not be liable for any other costs incurred by you in association with the delay, alteration, postponement, abandonment, curtailment or cancellation of your plans, for whatever reason.

Additional Useful Event Information: Each event is different, so this is a general 'heads-up'.

Preparation

Service your bike, or at a minimum check that it has newish brake pads and the gears are fine. Fingers crossed for sunshine, or at least not pouring rain – this trip will anyway go ahead regardless. Just check the weather forecast before heading off, and adjust your clothes accordingly

Try to get as many cycle miles in as you can, pre-trip.

Bring some warmer clothes, and a spare layer/rain jacket to carry on the ride. Weather can quickly change, and don't underestimate the potential for a cold wind on top of the hills. Given a lot of the riding is fairly remote, make sure you ride with enough water and snacks.

What to bring

Must have spare bits for your bike:

Rear mech hanger (this tends to be unique to your bike, and can easily be damaged by a rock); chain link (hard to fix a broken chain without it); inner tubes; pump; if running tubeless tyre patch/stans fluid/CO2 inflator & cartridges.

Nice to have spare bits:

Extra set of brake pads, spare gear cable; oil lube; cycle energy gels are great for tired legs on long rides. They really can make the difference between finishing a ride or crashing out. Always have some spare with you.

We've built up a great list of essential equipment through trial, error and experience out on the trails. Click here to visit out Essential Equipment page.