The Hidden Peak

This year the National Trust in the Peak District has teamed up with Votwo and Pete Collins to bring you The Hidden Peak, a new and exciting cycling sportive…

The National Trust's The Hidden Peak, will take place on the 14 October 2012 in the Peak District, starting and finishing in the picturesque village of Ilam. 

This new sportive has three fabulous routes, each going through some of England’s most stunning countryside and offering riders the opportunity to explore areas they may never have been to before. From the stunning green valleys of the White Peak to the atmospheric gritstone edges of the Dark Peak, riders can take in some of the most fantastic roads in the area on what promises to be a challenging and rewarding ride. 

The routes comprise of a 37k (23 mile) route in Staffordshire limestone country, ideally suited to those who might be doing their first sportive; a 63k (39 mile) route taking in the highlands of Over Haddon; and a hard 130k (81 mile) ride for the more experienced sportive rider, taking riders up to the edges of Burbage and Stanage.

The routes have been designed by Pete Collins, a National Trust volunteer and captain of Sheffield’s Sharrow Cycling Club.  Pete says: “The Hidden Peak has its own style and it promises to please those looking for something out of the ordinary. Want a new challenge? Want to ride some of the most stunning roads in the area? Then take on the real Peak, take on the Hidden Peak.” 

The event is organised in partnership with the leading UK events organiser, Votwo.

There is a 25% early bird discount for entries before Friday 13 April.  For further details about The Hidden Peak routes, charges and entry details please visit www.votwo.co.uk/events

Routes 

Starting out against the backdrop of the National Trust’s Ilam Hall, all routes take riders up to Thorpe where you ride past the strangely perfect Thorpe Cloud hill and then through Tissington where riders will need to cross the village ford. Shortly after Tissington the short route breaks for a beautiful ride through the villages of Parwich, Biggin and Hartington to rejoin the long & medium route back to Ilam.  The long route continues from Tissington over to the architecturally beautiful village of Winster. The route then carries on to Elton where a quiet, narrow road winds its way to Middleton where riders are warned to look out for geese crossing the road from the local farm. From Middleton riders drop down into the village of Youlgrave and head down to Conksbury where a short but very sharp climb awaits.

The medium route breaks and heads up to Over Haddon and through the lanes of Haddon Grove before joining the long route on its return trip through Monyash. The long route continues down to Ashford in the Water and takes the road straight to Calver. Here starts the longest climb of the day up Froggatt Edge to Fox House where riders will head down towards Sheffield before starting the climb up to the edges of Burbage and Stanage. Be sure to take in the view of the Hope Valley on the descent from Burbage. From the feed station at Longshaw it’s a descent down to Grindleford and then up to the Plague village of Eyam and the Hamlet of Foolow. Riders then head towards Monsall for a tricky descent down to breathtaking Monsall dale.

At Cressbrook Mill take one of the most rewarding climbs in the peak to the village of Cressbrook with its impressive hairpin bend. This road heads into Litton and on to the next climb out of Millers Dale. Riders then head through the villages of Chelmorton, Flagg and Monyash. From Monyash it’s a rolling ride over to the incredible decent down Crowdecote. From here riders work their way across one of the most impressive ridge roads in the Peak District over to Sheen. From Sheen it’s a steady ride through more picturesque lanes with a fantastic downhill descent back to Ilam Park to finish.

The start line opens between 8am & 10.30pm, depending on the route riders choose.  Limited camping is available for riders on Saturday 13^th October at Ilam Park. For camping details and bookings please email peakdistrict@nationaltrust.org.uk. 

We hope to see you for this fantastic new event on October 14.  Please help us spread the word!