Cycle Hire and Café on The Manifold Way
Manifold Station Bike Hire and Café is perfectly situated at the start of The Manifold Way in Waterhouses in the old station building, ideal for anyone wishing to explore the valley and visit popular spots such as Thors Cave. Hire bikes to cycle through the stunning Manifold Valley, or simply call in for a bite to eat whilst enjoying a leisurely stroll.
The station marks the end of the Manifold Way, a popular traffic free, 8.5 mile path that follows the route of the old Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway. As it’s built on a former railway line, the terrain is relatively flat and easy-going, making it deal for families, casual riders, and walkers who want to see the enjoy the sites of this picturesque area of the Peak District.
Whether you’re there to spend the day cycling, or just want a decent coffee and a slice of cake, or homemade lunch in a historic setting, The Manifold Station has you covered!
Half and Full Day Cycle Hire
The cycle hire at Manifold Station is geared toward making the valley accessible for everyone. They carry a great range of bikes suitable for all the family, including electric bikes, so you all can enjoy a great day out, including:
Adult Bikes
Electric Bikes
Children’s Bikes
Tag-a-long trailers
Baby seats
Toddler trailers
Helmets free with every hire!
Bikes can be hired for half days or full days for just a small amount extra, so you can enjoy a full day at your own pace.
The cycle hire’s opening times can vary throughout the seasons but in the Spring and Summer months are open 9.00am to 4pm daily. Be sure to check with them out of season to double check before you arrive.
The route from Manifold Station along The Manifold Way is virtually traffic-free, meaning it is perfectly suitable for young children or nervous riders. You can simply roll out of the station yard and find yourself on a paved track that winds through some of the most impressive scenery in the White Peak.
Delicous Homemade Food at the Station Cafe
The cafe at Manifold Station is a classic railway building conversion. It is open throughout the week during the main season, serving food from 9.00am to 3.00pm.
The Manifold Station is pride themselves on serving, delicious homemade food.
Fuel yourself at breakfast with a great menu including hearty breakfast baps, delicious filled oatcakes or lighter bites such a teacakes or crumpets.
At lunch why not try one of the amazing homemade burgers, or one of their seasonal specials?
Of course, you will also find a great selection of cakes to enjoy with a cuppa as a treat before or after your ride.
If you wish to take a packed lunch, they also serve a selection of sandwiches, crisps, chocolate and soft drinks for you to take on your travels.
There’s plenty of outdoor seating right by the trackside, which is great spot to sit and watch the world go by. It’s a popular stop of dog walkers too, so the atmosphere is always lively and friendly.
Exploring the Manifold Valley
The Manifold Way runs for about 8.5 miles down to Hulme End, passing through a limestone valley that is full of surprises.
As you follow the river, from Waterhouses to Hulme End you’ll cycle over a quaint stone bridge, gaze up Beeston Tor, where you’ll often see rock climbers, until reaching the lovely village of Wetton with a traditional village pub.
Further down the track, you’ll reach one of the most famous sights along the route, Thor’s Cave, a huge natural cavern set high in a cliff face. It’s a short, steep climb up if you decide to leave the bikes for a moment, but the view from the “mouth” of the cave back across the valley is worth the effort!
The next stop is Wetton Mill, another great place to stop of for refreshments, and where the river itself famously disappears underground during the dry summer months, only to reappear several miles away near the delightful village of Ilam.
The next landmark is the 150m long Swainsley Tunnel, which all adds to the adventure but don’t worry, its very well lit!
You’ll then pass Ecton Copper mines before finish at Hulme End where you’ll find another café and village pub! So there’s plenty of place to stop of for soft drinks in hot weather!
The valley itself is very picturesque with rolling green fields, so you can imagine, you can easily spend an entire day cycling and stopping off along the way.
Of course then finishing back at Manifold Station for a refreshing drink and a rewarding slice of cake before heading home!
Contact Manifold Station Cycle Hire & Cafe
For more information, please contact the helpful team who can’t wait to see you!
