Peaks descents

We had a cheeky day of uplift riding in the Peaks courtesy of my parents, including:

a) Descent from the Cat and Fiddle (001719). The first section to Dane Bower (010700) was scenic but not very techncial. From Spart Bent (003693) to Clough House (988698) was better, technical in parts, loose in others. Not stunning, but certainly worthwhile.

b) Chapel Gate (SK099829 to 113843). I was in tears at the bottom. It has been bulldozed, so now it is trivial doubletrack. I did eventually get hold of the PDNP access officer who told me this was in response to a large number of complaints about its deteriorating surface (which ironically made it fun for bikers). He was pretty reasonable actually so I was eventually pacified. And he said their budget has now run out so no more will be destroyed (I had seen other bits of pieces of imporvements, though non affecting anything important so far...) It does now mean an end to the argument of which way round to do th-e Jacob’s Ladder-Roych Clough route – down Jacob’s ladder is definitely better as there’s now no fun to be had going down Chapel Gate (in fact, you could probably ascend this way if you wanted to avoid the boggy Lord’s Seat way).

c) Doctor's Gate (096929) into Glossop (046948). By far the most mental descent in the Peak District! It starts with a climb, and even some carrying. It eases you in gently and then suddenly there’s some mental switchbacks and so it continues with some terrifying exposure and occasional 2 foot step ups. It definitely doesn’t flow, but it is still amazing, all the way to the bottom. The only disadvantage is it’s a real hassle to get to the top (A road....) and incorporate it all in a sensible ride.

We also had a day finally exploring the Hollinsclough descents. There are basically three, all ending in the River Dove (053674). From Moor Side (053670) the trail is very narrow and suddenly ends in a tricky corner (which took me three attempts). From Booth Farm (058680) the trail is actually relatively simple – the main challenge is steering clear of the loose bits. The best one is from Tenterhill (049674) which is a continuous series of rock steps and requires careful line choice.

So, all of this means it’s time to update the top Peak descents.


1. Doctor's Gate (096929) into Glossop (046948). By far the most mental descent in the Peak District! It starts with a climb, and even some carrying. It eases you in gently and then suddenly there’s some mental switchbacks and so it continues with some terrifying exposure and occasional 2 foot step ups. It definitely doesn’t flow, but it is still amazing, all the way to the bottom.
2. Stanage from the top (SK 239844) all the way down past the Plantation (SK238836). You think once you’ve gone past the edge it’ll get dull, but the big rocks just keep coming. And not loose like most Peak descents.
3. From Hope Cross (SK150876) on the Roman Road, towards Ladybower (SK164881). Bit loose, some careful line selection required.
4. Jacob’s Ladder (SK081861 to 088862), steep start, then gets loose.
5. Descent from the top Jacob’s Ladder (Edale Cross (SK077861) all the way to Kinder Reservoir (SK054878)
6. Cavedale (SK137814 to 150827), eases you in gently before it gets really steep and loose!

7. We also had a day finally exploring the Hollinsclough descents. There are basically three, all ending in the River Dove (053674). From Moor Side (053670) the trail is very narrow and suddenly ends in a tricky corner (which took me three attempts). From Booth Farm (058680) the trail is actually relatively simple – the main challenge is steering clear of the loose bits. The best one is from Tenterhill (049674) which is a continuous series of rock steps and requires careful line choice.

8. Descent of Bradwell Edge (SK 183810 to 178807). Proper narrow singletrack to keep you on your toes.
9. Descent from Cut Gate (SK186961) to towards Ladybower (SK1709954). Really just the last minute suddenly gets some drop-offs, and an alpine hairpin!
10. From Derwent Edge (SK198885) to Ladybower (SK187884). Four sections of different character (ruts, grass, cobbles) but the section in the middle is the most worthwhile.

11. Descent from the Cat and Fiddle (001719). The first section to Dane Bower (010700) was scenic but not very techncial. From Spart Bent (003693) to Clough House (988698) was better, technical in parts, loose in others. Not stunning, but certainly worthwhile.

12. Longstone Quarry (SK214736) to Rowland (SK217728). There's no drop-offs or corners to worry about - just loads of huge (football sized) loose rocks all the way down.
13. Bottom part of descent from Hollins Cross (SK137845) towards Castleton (SK141842). Dull at the top, but a short section of drop offs at the bottom makes it all worthwhile.
14. Descent into Rowarth (SK 014888) from SK019885– again, bit loose, but a few drop offs to keep you on your toes.