"we could do the High Peak Trail from matlock to buxton about 18miles each way? i have never ridden this one but every thing i have seen says it is OK for riding."
High Peak Trail starts at Middleton Top, where there is a car park and toilets for those ladies attending. It then goes about 12 miles to the tearooms and toilets at Parsley Hay. There is a long gentle slope at the start, but plenty of good scenery. This ride is very suitable for families and those of us unfit for mountain climbs.This ride is mainly flat.
It also joins up at about a mile South of Parsley Hay with the Tissington Trail, which is downhill to Ashbourne.
You may advertise this as mainly flat.
To get from Buxton from here is a strenous ride up the Bridleway , then a hilly busy road route.
An even friendlier ride is the Tissington Trail, from the Trail car park at Ashbourne to Parsley Hay. This is a gentle 1in 100 slope up and a whizz back down.T rooms and toilets start and finish and some on the way. Very family friendly.