To celebrate 20 years since the National Cycle Network was developed back in September 1995, Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, invited people to vote for the 'UK's favourite cycle trail' in categories both under and over 30 miles.

The 8.5-mile Peak District Monsal Trail came top of the list for the short distance route. The traffic-free, easily accessible route for walkers, cyclists and horse riders leads through some of the Peak District’s most spectacular limestone dales, snaking along the former Midland Railway line between Blackwell Mill, in Chee Dale, and Coombs Road, at Bakewell. 

The Monsal Trail beat some stiff competition including the Camel Trail in Cornwall and iconic Bath Two Tunnels route.

The long distance category was won by the Trans-Pennine Trail, which runs from Southport to Hornsea and crosses the Longdendale Valley. The route passes through historic urban scenery in Manchester and Leeds as well as the wild rural landscapes of the Pennines and through to the Peak District. The coast-to-coast Way of the Roses cycle route through Lancashire and Yorkshire was runner-up in this category.

For more information about the National Cycle Network routes visit www.sustrans.org.uk