There are a range of biking routes available from our grounds of varying levels of difficulty.  This includes the Monsal Trail (a disused railway line that runs from Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale, near Buxton to Bakewell) and for more advanced groups, we can offer a more challenging route, such as an ascent of Longstone Edge!  Adult and children’s mountain bikes are provided if an instructor is leading the activity, or you have attended the Traffic Free Cycle Leader Training course.

The activities are rated between 1 (low) and 4 (high) to help you choose the best activities to meet your aims.

Local Explorer Bike Ride

Children ride bikes up the driveway entrance to Thornbridge Outdoors
Boy smiles as he rides his bike
Children ride bikes in the grounds of Thornbridge Outdoors
Photo taken from behind shows school children riding bikes along a green bushy stretch of the Monsal Trail
Children ride bikes in a tunnel on the Monsal Trail
School girl rides bicycle in the grounds of Thornbridge Outdoors

Minimum age: Year 4 (8 years old)
Led by: Visiting staff/leaders who have attended a biking leader induction course, or a qualified instructor

Our on site trike and bike trail and the nearby Monsal Trail are ideal for introducing young people to cycling.

Ratings

Team working

Bike checks together before you start your ride and ‘looking out’ for one another as you cycle in the grounds and along the Monsal Trail.

Skills

There are many new skills to be learnt when starting out on a bike from how to brake correctly to mastering the ‘ready position’.

Knowledge

There is lots of knowledge to be gained in this activity.

Personal challenge

When did you last ride a bike? Lots of personal challenges with this activity, however old you are!

Physical activity

This will require aerobic fitness and stamina.

Accessibility

We have karts and trikes as well as ordinary two wheeler bikes.

Mountain Biking Skills & Ride

An adult biking along a track

Minimum age: Year 4 (8 years old)
Led by: A qualified instructor

Ratings

Team working

Skills

Knowledge

Personal challenge

Physical activity

Accessibility

Adventure Mountain Bike Ride

An adult biking down a bumpy trail

Minimum age: Year 9 (13 years old)
Led by: A qualified instructor

Ratings

Team working

We encourage you to ‘look out’ for your fellow riders.

Skills

You will need fundamental bike handling skills including the correct body position and balance on the bike.

Knowledge

Learn about your bike and also about the area you are cycling through.

Personal challenge

Riding rough terrain while following a route.

Physical activity

This will require aerobic fitness and stamina.

Accessibility

 

This activity will be on rough terrain, therefore our karts and trikes can’t be used.

Advanced Biking Skills Coaching

Two women performing skills while mountain biking

Minimum age: Year 10 (14 years old)
Led by: A qualified instructor

Ratings

Team working

Skills

Knowledge

Personal challenge

Physical activity

Accessibility

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Thornbridge Outdoors - adventure learning centre
Thornbridge Outdoors - adventure learning centre3 days ago
It's time to step forward and sign up!

The new Thornbridge Outdoors 20 event is on 3rd October 2026, organised by the Friends of Thornbridge Outdoors charity.

Take on 20.3 miles and 850m of ascent through some of the most beautiful scenery in the Peak District. Run it, walk it, or tackle it with friends. The choice is yours.

Best of all, every entry helps support outdoor learning opportunities for young people.

And yes... there's a free Thornbridge Brewery beer waiting for finishers! 🍺

Sign up today and be part of something special.

https://www.sientries.co.uk/event/foto-thornbridge-outdoors-20-2026
Thornbridge Outdoors - adventure learning centre
Thornbridge Outdoors - adventure learning centre3 days ago
We've been quieter than usual on here as many of our team have been off enjoying their own adventures - on foot, bike and paddleboard - with friends and family in the UK and further afield.

The team are now recharged and looking forward to providing outdoor adventures for our visiting groups in the brilliant Peak District.

#outdoorlearning #adventures #peakdistrict