• Manifold Track

    Staffordshire

    Manifold Track

Manifold Track

The Manifold Track from Hulme End to Waterhouses follows the former line of the Leek and Manifold Light Railway.

An easy, child-friendly route, the Manifold Track is a mostly flat tarmac path for cyclists and walkers accessible from car park at either end of the trail and at points along its length.

Explore the beautiful limestone countryside and discover delights such as climbing the steps to Thor’s Cave (250ft above the trail) to take in the breath-taking view of the valley.

Location

Located on the B5054 from Hartington (near the Tissington Trail) in the north to Waterhouses on the A523 Leek to Ashbourne road in the south.

Let’s Pedal

The Manifold Track is suitable for cyclists of all abilities, and starts at Hulme End and finishes at Waterhouses. With on- and off-road sections, please be careful with younger children.

The section from Swainsley to Wetton Mill is used by traffic and contains a tunnel 100m long at Swainsley. The tunnel is illuminated, but still dark – bike lights recommended. There are small passing places where pedestrians and cyclists can avoid vehicles. This section is not recommended for people in wheelchairs or with pushchairs.

The Manifold Track is an enjoyable ride through the Manifold Valley with beautiful scenery and features. It is not well-signposted along the route and it’s not always clear which surface is for motorised vehicles – look out for telltale speed limit signs.

The Manifold Track is managed by Peak District National Park.

Route Distance

FromToDistance (Miles)Distance (Km)
Hulme EndWaterhouses914.5

Refreshments

You will find a number of refreshment stops available along the route at:

Hulme End and Waterhouses

Public houses can be found in:

Hulme End, Warslow, Wetton, Waterhouses.

Facilities

Toilets are located at:

Hulme End, Wetton Mill, Waterhouses.

Cycle Hire available at:

Waterhouses

Tourist information available at:

Ashbourne and Parsley Hay

How to get here

By Car

The Manifold Track is situated in the Peak District National Park. Located on the B5054 from Hartington in the north to Waterhouses on the A523 Leek to Ashbourne road in the south.

Car Parking

Pay and Display parking available next to or near the trail at these locations. Prices vary.

Station Car ParkLocationNearby Postcode
Hulme EndHulme EndSK17 0EZ
SwainsleySwainsley near EctonST13 7SS
Wetton MillWetton MillDE6 2AG
Weag’s BridgeNear WettonNot postcode available – car park is located west of Wetton and east of Grindon near River Manifold
WaterhousesWaterhousesST10 3EG

By Cycle

National Cycle Network (NCN) Route 549 from Hartington via NCN 68 from Buxton or Derby.

By Train

Buxton. There are no convenient rail connections and the buses to Waterhouses do not carry bicycles.

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Summary

  • Distance (miles): 8
  • Distance (km): 12.9
  • Start: Hulme End
  • Finish: Waterhouses
  • Type: Disused railway line
  • Surface: Tarmac, gravel
  • Sat Nav: SK17 0EZ

Features

  • Car Park
  • Cycle Hire
  • Free Entry
  • Picnic Site
  • Refreshments
  • Toilets
  • Tourist Information

Cycle Hire

Manifold Valley Cycle Hire

Old Station Car Park
Waterhouses
ST10 3EG

Brown End Farm Cycle Hire

Leek Road
Waterhouses
ST10 3JR

Opening Times

Open all year round except for any temporary closures due to works – keep updated on the Peak District website.

Downloads

No downloads currently available. Please check back later.

Cyclist Reviews

4
Rated 4 out of 5
4 out of 5 stars (based on 1 review)
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Good ride with two nice cafe's, tarmac at beginning can be quite bumpy for road bike.

Rated 4 out of 5
31st May 2020


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Nearby Cycle Routes

Monsal Trail

Monsal Trail

Tissington Trail

Tissington Trail

High Peak Trail

High Peak Trail

Disclaimer

The information provided on this page is believed to be correct and is given in good faith. Please be aware that it may have changed since our research. Use of the information on this page is at your risk, we cannot accept any liability for any problems or incidents arising. The maps are based on the postcodes of the centres. The postcode provided for Sat Nav is the nearest postcode to the start of the trail or car park and is therefore not 100% accurate to the entrance of the location. Postcodes are provided as a guide only. We recommend that you confirm the location and other details before travelling.

Cycling With The Kids is not responsible for the content of third party websites, and travel times, prices, routes and providers are correct at the time of writing, but may alter at short notice.

Spot something incorrect in the information provided? Let us know!