Longendale Trail overall rating: 
The Longendale Trail is located in the Peak District National Park. It follows the track of the old Great Central Railway, starting at Hadfield, ending 8 miles later at Salter’s Brook. From the start, the trail starts to climb, but it is a slight incline.
Surface on the Longendale Trail
The surface area varies considerably. In places it is paved, but mostly it is not sealed and can get very muddy after rain.
Refreshments
In Hadfield you have several options, but beyond that it’s pretty much limited to the Bull’s Head pub and the Dog & Partridge pub.
Bikes
Due to the surface, you’re better off using a bike with bigger tires. Thin-wheeled road bikes will have serious difficulty on this route.
Tandems, most cargo bikes and tricycles will have difficulty navigating the stone chicanes along the route.
Bathroom
There are toilets at Hadfield Station, and again at the Bull’s Head pub, as well as the Dog & Partridge pub.
Traffic safety
This route is completely traffic-free
Notes
The grading system I use is explained here.
Points of interest
Offering panoramic views of the Peak District, including several reservoirs, the trail is rich in industrial heritage.
Torside Reservoir once supplied cotton and paper mills, but now supplies water to Manchester.
Trails in Derbyshire
Barriers
There are no barriers on the Longendale Trail. However, there are several narrow gates, as well as stone baffles.
Bike rental
You can hire bikes from Hadfield Bike Hire.
The hilly character
This route has an almost constant but gentle slope.
Childhood friendship
This route is suitable even for reasonably young children.
Social security
The Longendale Trail has parts that can be quite deserted and isolated. However, on sunny and warm weekends it can be reasonably busy.
Weather Forecast for the Longendale Trail
What the Longendale Trail is like
Getting to the Longendale Trail
The route shown on the map below starts at Hadfield station, so you can easily get to the start without a car, by taking your bike on the train. As always, read my Bikes On Trains guide for helpful and helpful tips for taking your bike on the train. You can take a train to Hadfield from Manchester Piccadilly, but note that you will need to change trains at Glossop.
Parking near Longendale Trail
There are car parks at Torside and Crowden. Torside has a picnic area and Crowden has a campsite. Additional access is at Platt Street, Hadfield, Torside Car Park and Woodhead Station.
More routes
To find more routes, click this link.