Who fancies cycling in Churnet Valley today? I ask as I dish out the pancakes and strawberries.
Me!!! The reply was unanimous.
It was a Sunday morning and our first full weekend at home following a summer road trip to Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. As I looked out of the window, the sun was just beginning to make an appearance and the sky appeared a deep shade of blue. It looked like it was going to be a glorious day, so we quickly packed the van and headed out to try our hand at Cycling in Churnet Valley Staffordshire.
Churnet Valley in Staffordshire is an area rich in history, spectacular scenery and wildlife. The Churnet Valley trail is a railway path following the river Churnet through woodland and meadow along the old railway line.
Farm on the Hill and Churnet Valley Cycle Hire
As I still have to purchase a bike, we headed to Churnet Valley Cycle hire where we met Ben, who provided me with a bike, a bike seat for the little man and two helmets. With all members of the family now equipped with either a bike or a bike seat, we set off in the beautiful sunshine armed with the directions for the local cycling trail.
There are various trails around Churnet Valley. The area surrounding Farm on the Hill has a number of cycle routes for all abilities including a cycle trail along the old railway line, through the woods around Dimmingsdale and quiet country lanes. We headed off to find the railway line in search of a picnic spot and an ice-cream.
I am so proud of our eldest who was just getting to grips with riding her bike. It was a great basic trail, and fairly flat in parts to give her the opportunity to practice. With sheer determination, (a few falls) and a few blisters on her thumbs – she did it!
Cycle Hire
Farm on the hill offers cycle hire and cycle repair.
Cycle Hire Prices (Nov 17)
Adult Bikes: £10.00/half day £13/full day
Childrens Bikes: All Day/£7.50 Child Seat (up to 22kg) – £5.00
Camping at Farm on The Hill
Whilst we were visiting, Ben showed us around their eco campsite on the farm. It is a small, peaceful and hidden eco-campsite set in around 12 acres of woodland and meadow on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. The campsite is arranged to ensure it keeps its secluded and exclusive feel and there are pitches to suit all needs, with areas to accommodate multiple tents, and areas to accommodate just one tent (or camper van) to provide a secluded getaway.
The pitches share a raised compost long drop toilet on the edge of the site with amazing views of the Churnet Valley. There is also a solar shower and wood-fired sauna.
Because it remains a small site the owners go above and beyond to make your stay memorable and enjoyable. There are BBQs available on site and a large stone fire circle with stone seating for group campsites. Cycle hire is available and fresh seasonal fruit and veg on sale grown organically on the farm. There is also a tea room serving tea/coffee and cakes and scones in an open fronted barn at the main farm house that is open at Weekends during Summer (or weekdays/evening by prior arrangement).
For more information you can head over to Farm on the Hill online
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If you are looking for tips for mountain biking with kids – here are 7 tips for family mountain biking adventures written by Plutonium Sox – do you have any to add?
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