Carina Humberstone
Carina Humberstone has lived in the central Peak District for 20 years and has cycled thousands of miles in the area, often on versions of the same, favourite routes that she has shared in this guide.
When not cycling Carina is likely to be walking in the hills or coming to the aid of others as an active member of Buxton Mountain Rescue Team.
In Scenic Cycling in the Peak District experienced outdoor instructor and mountain rescuer, Carina, shares her love of cycling and her in-depth knowledge of the central and southern Peak District through a series of 19 cycle routes of varying difficulty. The rides offer options for all abilities and types of bikes (including e-bikes), that explore the quieter lanes and pleasant off-road tracks, largely avoiding busy main roads; perfect for riders who are new to or returning to bike riding. All the itineraries are circular and start and finish at public car parks, many of which have cycle hire shops and other facilities.
The rides range from short, gentle loops incorporating the easy terrain of popular cycle trails to longer and more energetic tours of the hills and dales. Each route is graded on terrain, hill gradients and fitness level to help cyclists choose their perfect route. Some of the longer itineraries also have shorter route options, perfect for families wishing to explore the beautiful landscape and quaint villages. Route descriptions are comprehensive, have accompanying maps and are supplemented with photos of the terrain that will be encountered on each ride, (to avoid surprises). For cyclists that prefer to use mapping software, there is a link to download GPX files for each ride.
The guide is designed for people looking for an introduction to cycling in the area, cyclists wanting to discover off-road riding or those who just want to explore more cycling options. Most routes can be completed in half a day, at a leisurely pace, with café stops included.
The guide also has a section with handy tips on all aspects of bike riding with topics that include:
- Safety whilst cycling
- Navigation
- What to take
- What to do in an emergency
Talking about the guide, author Carina Humberstone said: “In my work, I specialise in introducing others to the great outdoors and it is quite likely that riders will see me on one of the listed routes. They are still my favourite rides and the inspiration behind my book. The rise of e-bikes, now available from many cycle hire shops, is making cycling more accessible for more people and the benefits of being active in the natural environment for both physical and mental wellbeing is well documented. Cycling is my go-to activity to clear my mind and to exercise my body. I hope that Scenic Cycling will help others discover the joys of cycling and of exploring the beautiful central and southern Peak District.”
