I parked at the little Wye Dale carpark, £3.50 for up to 4 hrs or £4.50 for all day. FYI machine only seems to accept card payments.
The sun was shining which made the pretty riverside walk to Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire a lovely start to the day. Having brought my daughter here last yr I assumed it was a fairly safe bet that I didn’t need to pre book a bike as it was a week day & out of school hols (my assumption was correct). Upon my arrival I was met by a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic member of staff. He was keen to hear where I’d travelled from, whether I’d been before, my cycling ability & my familiarity of the Monsal Trail & surrounding area. Very astute man, he gave me all the info I needed cutting out all the stuff I already knew from my previous experience (for those of you who’ve not done the ride to Bakewell before, don’t under estimate the incline & time required for your return journey!). Not really being a cyclist he recapped the basic mechanics of the gears, talked me through the what-ifs re a puncture & positioned my seat height. Bike lock, helmet & trail map are included in £15 all-day bike hire btw. Before I set off he knew I’d packed a picnic so recommended the best place to stop & adding that when I reached the end of the trail I should carry on into Bakewell as the market was on.
The ride was just as wonderful as I remember it the first time. I am a fair weather rider so the day was enhanced by unbroken sunshine & far reaching views (of which there are plenty).
On my return, 4 hrs later, it was a really nice surprise to be greeted by the same staff member who asked with interest where I’d had my picnic & if I managed to get down into Bakewell. Excellent customer care & a genuine interest in providing a positive & enjoyable experience.
I returned today because of my first memorable visit to the Monsal Trail with my daughter & today has been equally as memorable. Blackwell Mill Cycle Hire is a company I will use again in the future & will recommend highly to my family and friends.

ClareMcGee