Since we're now allowed to venture a bit further from home on our bikes, here's a list of 25 *great* cycling climbs you might not have heard of in the Peak District (or nearby) to hopefully inspire your post-lockdown ride planning. 
Firstly the rules:
Must not be in one of @100Climbs (excellent) books
Must be great
I must have ridden it as part of a ride from Sheffield
Bonus points for obscurity and unreasonable difficulty.
So here goes:
Must not be in one of @100Climbs (excellent) books
Must be great
I must have ridden it as part of a ride from Sheffield
Bonus points for obscurity and unreasonable difficulty.
So here goes:
1) Hinderstitch Lane
1.3km 10.9% avg. 15.8% max
There are plenty of great climbs out of the Derwent valley around Crich, but I have a particular soft spot for this one - quiet, some great views, and it's hard from the start. Great name too!
veloviewer.com/segments/43429…
1.3km 10.9% avg. 15.8% max
There are plenty of great climbs out of the Derwent valley around Crich, but I have a particular soft spot for this one - quiet, some great views, and it's hard from the start. Great name too!
veloviewer.com/segments/43429…
2) Berridge Lane
0.9km 11.3% avg. 15.8% max
I am *not* a big fan of fords, but once you've negotiated the small one at the start of this climb you are rewarded with a vicious little climb that's well worth the effort.
veloviewer.com/segments/10592…
0.9km 11.3% avg. 15.8% max
I am *not* a big fan of fords, but once you've negotiated the small one at the start of this climb you are rewarded with a vicious little climb that's well worth the effort.
veloviewer.com/segments/10592…
3) Salters Lane
4.8km 4.4% avg. 14.2% max
The climbs on the other side of the valley in Matlock rightly attract all the attention, but sometimes you want a bit of variety. Salters Lane is a fantastic long voyage up to the top of Bonsall Moor.
veloviewer.com/segments/52265…
4.8km 4.4% avg. 14.2% max
The climbs on the other side of the valley in Matlock rightly attract all the attention, but sometimes you want a bit of variety. Salters Lane is a fantastic long voyage up to the top of Bonsall Moor.
veloviewer.com/segments/52265…
4) Hopton Hill
1.1km 7.5% avg. 17.7% max
Neither terribly long nor terribly difficult, this is just a beautiful little climb up a deserted wooded valley.
veloviewer.com/segments/871431
1.1km 7.5% avg. 17.7% max
Neither terribly long nor terribly difficult, this is just a beautiful little climb up a deserted wooded valley.
veloviewer.com/segments/871431
5) Wood Lane
1.2km 6.3% avg. 24.2% max(?)
The Via Gellia is a great road to ride, but it's often unpleasantly busy. So one day I explored this tiny side road and it turned out to be an absolute beauty.
veloviewer.com/segments/11959…
1.2km 6.3% avg. 24.2% max(?)
The Via Gellia is a great road to ride, but it's often unpleasantly busy. So one day I explored this tiny side road and it turned out to be an absolute beauty.
veloviewer.com/segments/11959…
6) Darley Hillside
3.5km 5.3% avg. 20.8% max
Much quieter than the B5057, but not *quite* as brutal as Rowsley Bar, this climb still has its moments. Very steep at the start as you leave the village, then a long scenic drag up onto the moor.
veloviewer.com/segments/45533…
3.5km 5.3% avg. 20.8% max
Much quieter than the B5057, but not *quite* as brutal as Rowsley Bar, this climb still has its moments. Very steep at the start as you leave the village, then a long scenic drag up onto the moor.
veloviewer.com/segments/45533…
7) Stantonhall Lane
0.9km 8.9% avg. 18.4% max
All roads up to Stanton Moor are great, but I defy you not to fall in love with this one. Steep, tiny and with a series of tight, sinuous bends. An alpine climb in microcosm.
veloviewer.com/segments/19005…
0.9km 8.9% avg. 18.4% max
All roads up to Stanton Moor are great, but I defy you not to fall in love with this one. Steep, tiny and with a series of tight, sinuous bends. An alpine climb in microcosm.
veloviewer.com/segments/19005…
8) Pike Hall Lane
0.8km 8.3% avg. 11.6% max
Climb away from the picturesque little village of Parwich, then hang a right up a steep little ramp which leads to the top of the hill. There's something oddly charming I can't pin down about this climb.
veloviewer.com/segments/16301…
0.8km 8.3% avg. 11.6% max
Climb away from the picturesque little village of Parwich, then hang a right up a steep little ramp which leads to the top of the hill. There's something oddly charming I can't pin down about this climb.
veloviewer.com/segments/16301…
9) Wetton Road
0.7km 12.6% avg. 22.1% max
A real bastard among a hotbed of nasty hills out of the Manifold valley. Several hundred metres of sustained steepness from the very start will have you begging for mercy by the time the angle eases.
veloviewer.com/segments/37955…
0.7km 12.6% avg. 22.1% max
A real bastard among a hotbed of nasty hills out of the Manifold valley. Several hundred metres of sustained steepness from the very start will have you begging for mercy by the time the angle eases.
veloviewer.com/segments/37955…
10) Elkstone
4.9km 4.4% avg. 13.9% max(?)
This beautiful road through a tranquil valley suddenly gets nasty when you cross the river and stays that way for uncomfortably long as you climb through the hamlet of Upper Elkstone and beyond.
veloviewer.com/segments/50739…
4.9km 4.4% avg. 13.9% max(?)
This beautiful road through a tranquil valley suddenly gets nasty when you cross the river and stays that way for uncomfortably long as you climb through the hamlet of Upper Elkstone and beyond.
veloviewer.com/segments/50739…
11) Pilsbury Hill
2.5km 4.3% avg. 14.7% max
Hidden away down a road to seemingly nowhere, intrepid explorers will be rewarded with a challenging climb (and even rumours of a hairpin). But beware, there may be dragons.
veloviewer.com/segments/71799…
2.5km 4.3% avg. 14.7% max
Hidden away down a road to seemingly nowhere, intrepid explorers will be rewarded with a challenging climb (and even rumours of a hairpin). But beware, there may be dragons.
veloviewer.com/segments/71799…
12) Kirk Dale
1.4km 8.9% avg. 14.5% max
While never truly steep, the sustained double-digit gradient on this climb makes it a real challenge, particularly if you're trying to put down a good time. It's also a *great* descent (but be careful!).
veloviewer.com/segments/80061…
1.4km 8.9% avg. 14.5% max
While never truly steep, the sustained double-digit gradient on this climb makes it a real challenge, particularly if you're trying to put down a good time. It's also a *great* descent (but be careful!).
veloviewer.com/segments/80061…
13) The Cressbrook Bastard
1.5km 8.8% avg. 18.4% max
If you thought that Monsal Head was the hardest way out of this valley then you are in for a treat. Kiss your saddle goodbye as soon as you leave the valley floor - you won't be needing it here.
veloviewer.com/segments/10363…
1.5km 8.8% avg. 18.4% max
If you thought that Monsal Head was the hardest way out of this valley then you are in for a treat. Kiss your saddle goodbye as soon as you leave the valley floor - you won't be needing it here.
veloviewer.com/segments/10363…
14) Meadow Lane
1.1km 8.5% avg. 25.7% max
The initial ramp of this climb is reminiscent of the start of Turf Moor in the Yorkshire Dales, only somehow even steeper. Short, but boy does it make you work for it!
veloviewer.com/segments/21978…
1.1km 8.5% avg. 25.7% max
The initial ramp of this climb is reminiscent of the start of Turf Moor in the Yorkshire Dales, only somehow even steeper. Short, but boy does it make you work for it!
veloviewer.com/segments/21978…
15) Roach End
3.3km 6.9% avg. 22.4% max
After a gentle start, this gets very serious very quickly as you pass Roche Grange. You get a slight respite once you meet Roach Road, then the road heads skyward again for a grandstand finish.
veloviewer.com/segments/871960
3.3km 6.9% avg. 22.4% max
After a gentle start, this gets very serious very quickly as you pass Roche Grange. You get a slight respite once you meet Roach Road, then the road heads skyward again for a grandstand finish.
veloviewer.com/segments/871960
16) Back Lane (Flash)
2.1km 7.9% avg. 18.8% max
I first rode this in descent and *knew* I'd have to come back and ride up it. It didn't disappoint. A gentle warm up, then the steep bit hoves into view and it's all in until the village comes into view
veloviewer.com/segments/11830…
2.1km 7.9% avg. 18.8% max
I first rode this in descent and *knew* I'd have to come back and ride up it. It didn't disappoint. A gentle warm up, then the steep bit hoves into view and it's all in until the village comes into view
veloviewer.com/segments/11830…
17) Wildboarclough
8.5km 3.0% avg. 12.2% max
A climb of two halves. A gorgeous long, gentle ride up a remote valley topped off with a testing climb up to join the last section of the Cat and Fiddle. Absolutely magic.
veloviewer.com/segments/47571…
8.5km 3.0% avg. 12.2% max
A climb of two halves. A gorgeous long, gentle ride up a remote valley topped off with a testing climb up to join the last section of the Cat and Fiddle. Absolutely magic.
veloviewer.com/segments/47571…
18) Goyt Valley
4.6km 4.0% avg. 9.4% max
Another incredibly beautiful road up a remote valley (and currently closed to cars). Pick a sunny day and there are few better places to be out riding a bike.
veloviewer.com/segment/663694
4.6km 4.0% avg. 9.4% max
Another incredibly beautiful road up a remote valley (and currently closed to cars). Pick a sunny day and there are few better places to be out riding a bike.
veloviewer.com/segment/663694
19) Cowlow Lane
1.9km 7.8% avg. 18.1% max
An absolute beast. Ride gently away from Coombs village, then as the road bends left the gradient skyrockets and it's an all-out battle for 500m until the road pitches back as the cliff of Castle Naze appear.
veloviewer.com/segments/945116
1.9km 7.8% avg. 18.1% max
An absolute beast. Ride gently away from Coombs village, then as the road bends left the gradient skyrockets and it's an all-out battle for 500m until the road pitches back as the cliff of Castle Naze appear.
veloviewer.com/segments/945116
20) Lamaload
1.8km 4.6% avg. max 23.4% (??)
A glorious discovery on a @VeloViewer tile bagging trip - a stunning ride up a road to nowhere below the Lamaload Reservoir.
veloviewer.com/segments/73156…
1.8km 4.6% avg. max 23.4% (??)
A glorious discovery on a @VeloViewer tile bagging trip - a stunning ride up a road to nowhere below the Lamaload Reservoir.
veloviewer.com/segments/73156…
21) Beeston Brow
0.8km 8.8% avg. 18.6% max
A mad patchwork of vertical cobbles and concrete in the very centre of Bollington, this amazing little road caught me totally by surprise. Don't think the difficulty is all over once the cobbles end!
veloviewer.com/segments/46622…
0.8km 8.8% avg. 18.6% max
A mad patchwork of vertical cobbles and concrete in the very centre of Bollington, this amazing little road caught me totally by surprise. Don't think the difficulty is all over once the cobbles end!
veloviewer.com/segments/46622…
22) Wash Hill
3.2km 6.2% avg. 17.6% max
Finding the start of this is hard, but if you succeed then it's a beauty. Hideously steep at first, then a short descent to the main road before another totally unreasonable stretch, then a long drag to the summit.
veloviewer.com/segment/1802693
3.2km 6.2% avg. 17.6% max
Finding the start of this is hard, but if you succeed then it's a beauty. Hideously steep at first, then a short descent to the main road before another totally unreasonable stretch, then a long drag to the summit.
veloviewer.com/segment/1802693
23) Eccles Pike North
2.1km 6.3% avg. 15.4% max
All four routes up Eccles Pike are great, but the tiny lost valley on the approach from Buxworth really elevates this one. It's a testing climb too.
veloviewer.com/segments/17859…
2.1km 6.3% avg. 15.4% max
All four routes up Eccles Pike are great, but the tiny lost valley on the approach from Buxworth really elevates this one. It's a testing climb too.
veloviewer.com/segments/17859…
24) To Over Hill Road
1.6km 8.8% avg. 17.5% max
Both road up to the south end of Over Hill Road are great climbs, but the western approach has an appealing directness to it. Also, the steepest bit is where it should be, right at the top.
veloviewer.com/segments/10392…
1.6km 8.8% avg. 17.5% max
Both road up to the south end of Over Hill Road are great climbs, but the western approach has an appealing directness to it. Also, the steepest bit is where it should be, right at the top.
veloviewer.com/segments/10392…
25) Cock Brow
1.3km 7.3% avg. 23.6% max
If you thought Alto de los Muchachos looked good on last year's Vuelta, then rejoice, for here is Manchester's own version. Ridiculously steep and with a truly ridiculous concrete surface. Brilliant stuff.
veloviewer.com/segments/813627
1.3km 7.3% avg. 23.6% max
If you thought Alto de los Muchachos looked good on last year's Vuelta, then rejoice, for here is Manchester's own version. Ridiculously steep and with a truly ridiculous concrete surface. Brilliant stuff.
veloviewer.com/segments/813627
If you need a little help finding any of these, then here's a map I made of them all: drive.google.com/open?id=1VaGw2…
Which one is the nastiest? I think this graph undersells the difficulty of Cowlow Lane and the Cressbrook Bastard, but Meadow Lane and Cock Brow really are as steep as they look.
Just for fun I made a graph with all of the climbs from this list and the lists I made of climbs in Sheffield:
digitalcyclist.co.uk/cycling/top-hi…
And around Sheffield:
digitalcyclist.co.uk/cycling/top-hi…
digitalcyclist.co.uk/cycling/top-hi…
And around Sheffield:
digitalcyclist.co.uk/cycling/top-hi…
Oh, and if anyone wants to try and ride them all in one go, then you are a magnificent idiot. But here, I made a route for you. It's a mere 321km with 7,300m of ascent. strava.com/routes/27436194
Massive credit for this list is due to @VeloViewer whose ridiculous tile explorer feature has led me to discover all sorts of glorious, out of the way, roads and hills.
Oh, and one more thing - I feel like it would be good to finish off this mission with one more list of 25, because 100 is a nice round number.
So any suggestions for themes would be welcome.
Quite a few nasties around Huddersfield...
So any suggestions for themes would be welcome.
Quite a few nasties around Huddersfield...
