The Three Rivers Route

The Peak District is a popular area for exploring by motorbike where most visitors are lured by the 'honeypot' spots and main roads through the valleys and over the hills to the north. However, there are hidden gems well worth exploring in the less travelled areas to the south...

- Simon Everett

It has been said the best roads in Derbyshire are in Staffordshire because part of the Peak District covers the Staffordshire Moorlands, a much quieter and lesser known area where the roads can be every bit as interesting.

I'm lucky to live right on the southern edge of this marvellous playground with its outstanding views and characterful villages that ooze charm and history. The lanes linking them are my playground - where most people will migrate to the main roads, I prefer the side roads which see very little traffic - that way I discover some hidden gems.

I started this day trip in the ancient market town of Uttoxeter, setting off from the cobbled market square beside the memorial to Samuel Johnson, who is credited with compiling the first dictionary of the English Language in 1755. Setting off eastwards and around St. Mary's church, I headed down the hill to the famous roundabout on the A522 with the sculpture of the bull in the centre where the road becomes the A518. It then joins the B5030 to take you out of town towards Rocester and past the beautifully landscaped headquarters of JCB.

At the end of the lake turn left for Denstone on the B5031 and left again on to the road to Alton, the B5032 just after the large farm shop, until you come into the edge of Alton village and go straight ahead of you where the main road bends right, 90 degrees, with a brown sign to Alton Towers.