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Winnats Pass

Peak District

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This three-day tour within the Peak District National Park is a great way to explore the spectacular countryside and exquisite cycling terrain of the area. Our base for this tour, Goosehill Hall, lies within the heart of the picturesque village of Castleton, situated at the western end of the Hope Valley between the Dark Peak to the north and the White Peak to the south. Castleton is also famous for its caves and its castle, your luxury accommodation offers spendid views towards Mam Tor, the Great Ridge and Winnats Pass.

Day 1

Ease yourself in gently on your first day in the beautiful Peak District by heading through Hathersage and up the climb known locally as the Surprise. It offers unparalled views of the Hope Valley from the summit. From there its on to Crich, passing the Tram museum and then a cafe stop in Matlock. Hassop and Eyam are the next locations as the road pitches upwards for the final 15 miles before descending back into Castleton.

Day 2

With just nine major climbs, this is a day for the mountain goats! With over 8500ft of climbing it's like a day out in the Alps only steeper. Pindale, Strines, Holme Moss, Snake Pass and Mam Nick are just a few of the delights that await you on Day 2.

Your second day will take you from Castleton to Edale and over Mam Nick then descending Winnats Pass and onward past Ladybower Reservoir towards The Strines, a rollercoaster of a road with three steep climbs that increase in severity as you ride northwards. We reach Holme Moss soon after, where you can count down the quarter-mile markers from the summit as you climb. For those that enjoy descending you next enjoy the plummet into Glossop before the climbing starts again with the considerable Snake Pass. Then its back into the Hope Valley for recouperation and refreshments before another big climbing day tomorrow.

Day 3

Should you have anything left in your legs Winnats Pass, which averages over 10%, with a considerable section of 20% plus near the summit, is your first challenge. The climb travels through a natural amphitheatre with steep slopes and rock faces on either side of the road over a distance of 2.3km and is number 33 on the 100 greatest climbs list. The road becomes more sensible as you head out towards the seven mile climb of the Cat and Fiddle. The good news is that the terrain on the return to base via Sheldon, Ashford and Hassop is more forgiving as you accellerate home to a well deserved recovery drink.