Manifold Valley Cycle Hire
Waterhouses is the place to hire a bike and ride along the Manifold Valley. Cycle Hire makes it easy to cover the 8 miles to Hulme End as you will be on the route of the disused Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway. It is a very safe even route with no gradients, the majority of which is traffic free. There is a section about 2 miles long where the track is shared with motor vehicles, from Swainsley tunnel down to Wetton Mill. However, there is an alternative route to this section by using the old gated road from Swainsley to Wetton Mill. The Manifold Way is surfaced throughout its length, so it is ideally suited for walking, cycling, wheelchair users, buggies, prams or people with very limited mobility. Car parks are located at both ends of the track and at various points along the length. There are two tea rooms, one at Wetton Mill where you will be assured of the warmest of welcomes from Jannette, the other is at Lee House.
Thor’s Cave
is the most spectacular sight of the Manifold valley, dominating the central section of the valley. The rock in which it is set rears up out of the hillside like a giant fang with the cave entrance forming a hole in it ten metres in diameter, a sight which is clearly visible for several miles.
The Manifold Valley bike hire
centre is situated in the middle of Waterhouses village, behind Ye Olde Crown pub, just off the main A523 Leek -- Ashbourne road. Follow the signs for “”The Manifold Valley Cycle Hire Centre“” on entering the village.
From Ashbourne direction, take A52 / A523 towards Leek for 8 miles into Waterhouses village, turning left just after Ye Olde Crown Hotel on the left. Go under the bridge & turn left into the car park.
From Leek direction, take A523 towards Ashbourne for 9 miles into Waterhouses, then turn right just before Ye Olde Crown Hotel on the right. Go under the bridge & turn left into the car park.
From Stoke-On-Trent, take A52 towards Ashbourne for about 12 miles, passing through Whiston village. Approx 2 miles after Whiston, turn left at crossroads by The Cross Inn pub on the left, signposted Waterhouses. Follow this road for about 2 miles and just before a large stone bridge across the road, turn right into the car park.
Regular bus service to Waterhouses operates between Leek and Ashbourne.
The Manifold Valley cycle map provides details of the cycle route and the nearby villages of Butterton, Grindon, Waterhouses, Ilam, Wetton, Alstonfield and Hulme End. Merry Cottage is a five minute walk from the cycle hire centre.
Manifold Valley Bike Hire is also available from Brown End Farm