The Parsley Hay cycle hire centre is one of the best places in the Peak District to hire a bike. The centre itself is located eight miles from the town of Buxton. Buxton is one of the most popular entry points for visitors to the Peak District due to it having a wide range of facilities for visitors. The cycle hire centre itself is open every day between the 23rd of March to the 3rd of November, from 9.30am to 5.30pm.
When it comes to exploring the surrounding areas visitors have a wide range of choices available to them. The Tissington and High Peak Trails are located close by to the cycle centre. These trails are constructed on disused railway tracks and span 30 miles in length. No traffic is allowed on the trails, with the trails being exclusively used for cycling, walking and horse riding. This ensures that visitors can take in the magnificent scenery without having their day spoilt by noise pollution from traffic. Many of the cycle trails have also been linked together in recent years, and the Tissington trail itself is part of the Pennine cycleway which spans 350 miles and goes to Berwick-Upon-Tweed.
The cycle centres provide visitors with a range of services as well as simply renting bikes. One of the most useful of these is the extensive local knowledge provided by staff at the centres. Staff members can advise visitors of the best routes to follow based on their abilities, and provide a number of maps which highlight the trails. A bike equipment shop is also available, as well as a cycle repair service. Refreshments are also available and consist of a range of products from the local area.
A range of different bikes are also available at the centre, and include standard adult bikes, child bikes as well as tandem cycles. More rugged mountain bikes are also available, for those interested in the tougher trails. Prices range significantly based on the season and specific bike, though average around £20.