This is a mountain bike route of 17.5 miles starts from
Hayfield. It is the classic Dark Peak route that takes in the
Jacobs Ladder, Rushup Edge and Roych Clough
descents. The main climbs are directly to the back of
Jacobs Ladder from Hayfield and up to Rushup Edge via
Hollins Cross and Mam Tor. Although not exceptionally
long the rocky terrain, combined with difficult climbs and
steep technical descents, makes this route a tough one.
1. Start from the Visitor Centre car park (GR035869) and
head towards Hayfield in the direction of the church. Use
the pedestrian crossing to get across the main road. On
the far side go straight ahead down the road, with the
church on the left, to a junction. Turn left, go over the
bridge, then at the second junction directly after turn right.
Climb the lane between the houses and go straight on at
the next junction a short distance later. Follow the lane
through a couple of bends to the top of the climb. After
reaching the top of the climb continue along the lane and
descend to a junction with a lane on the right that goes
over a bridge, just before the Bowden Bridge Quarry car
park on the left, the starting point of the 1932 mass
trespass (GR048869).
2. Turn right over the bridge then follow the lane left on
the other side. Bear right on the lane then at the second
junction bear right and cross the bridge to continue
following the lane. Climb the lane to a forked junction, with
a cattle grid on the left and gate on the right (GR053865).
Go through the gate on the right and continue climbing.
Hayfield. It is the classic Dark Peak route that takes in the
Jacobs Ladder, Rushup Edge and Roych Clough
descents. The main climbs are directly to the back of
Jacobs Ladder from Hayfield and up to Rushup Edge via
Hollins Cross and Mam Tor. Although not exceptionally
long the rocky terrain, combined with difficult climbs and
steep technical descents, makes this route a tough one.
1. Start from the Visitor Centre car park (GR035869) and
head towards Hayfield in the direction of the church. Use
the pedestrian crossing to get across the main road. On
the far side go straight ahead down the road, with the
church on the left, to a junction. Turn left, go over the
bridge, then at the second junction directly after turn right.
Climb the lane between the houses and go straight on at
the next junction a short distance later. Follow the lane
through a couple of bends to the top of the climb. After
reaching the top of the climb continue along the lane and
descend to a junction with a lane on the right that goes
over a bridge, just before the Bowden Bridge Quarry car
park on the left, the starting point of the 1932 mass
trespass (GR048869).
2. Turn right over the bridge then follow the lane left on
the other side. Bear right on the lane then at the second
junction bear right and cross the bridge to continue
following the lane. Climb the lane to a forked junction, with
a cattle grid on the left and gate on the right (GR053865).
Go through the gate on the right and continue climbing.
After reaching the top of the climb stay on the tarmac as it bears left, past some tracks on the right, and descends
steeply to a gate at the bottom.
3. Go through the gate follow the lane ahead as it bears left and starts the long climb to the back of Jacob’s Ladder. At
the junction where the lane turns sharply to the right continue straight on up the wide, steep gravel track to a gate
(GR058859). The long climb lets you know what to expect straight away by starting with one of the steepest sections.
steeply to a gate at the bottom.
3. Go through the gate follow the lane ahead as it bears left and starts the long climb to the back of Jacob’s Ladder. At
the junction where the lane turns sharply to the right continue straight on up the wide, steep gravel track to a gate
(GR058859). The long climb lets you know what to expect straight away by starting with one of the steepest sections.
Navigation from this point to the top is simply a
case of following the main trail straight on. It’s a
long, hard climb with plenty of rocks. Two steep
rock gardens mark the start of the last third of
the climb, which is the most difficult part. While it
is possible to clean the whole thing it will have
most walking. After reaching the summit at
Edale Cross go straight on down a short, rocky
descent to the gate at the top of Jacobs Ladder
(GR081861).
case of following the main trail straight on. It’s a
long, hard climb with plenty of rocks. Two steep
rock gardens mark the start of the last third of
the climb, which is the most difficult part. While it
is possible to clean the whole thing it will have
most walking. After reaching the summit at
Edale Cross go straight on down a short, rocky
descent to the gate at the top of Jacobs Ladder
(GR081861).
4. Time to drop your saddle if you need to. At the junction after the gate go straight on
to start the descent of Jacob’s Ladder. Again the trail lets you know what to expect
straight away with a rocky drop and loose boulders before it heads down a very steep
section of bouldery cobbles. The trail then flattens off a bit and returns to the natural
to start the descent of Jacob’s Ladder. Again the trail lets you know what to expect
straight away with a rocky drop and loose boulders before it heads down a very steep
section of bouldery cobbles. The trail then flattens off a bit and returns to the natural
rocks where you can pick up some speed. At the junction halfway down turn tight right
and go through the gate. Negotiate the criss-crossing rutted descent covered in rocks,
to a tight left hand bend. After the left hand bend the trail becomes extremely loose and
rocky all the way to the gate and stream at the bottom (GR088861).
5. Bear right over the stone bridge and through the first gate of about three on the wide
track that drops into the valley and ends at some farm buildings (GR096855). At the
farm go straight ahead on the tarmac. Go through a left/right dip, over a bridge, and up
a short climb to a farm at the top. Continue down the lane then bear right and climb to a
junction with Upper Booth Farm camp site on the right. Turn left and follow the lane down
hill. Go past a car park then under a bridge before the lane finally finishes at a
T-junction (GR113847).
and go through the gate. Negotiate the criss-crossing rutted descent covered in rocks,
to a tight left hand bend. After the left hand bend the trail becomes extremely loose and
rocky all the way to the gate and stream at the bottom (GR088861).
5. Bear right over the stone bridge and through the first gate of about three on the wide
track that drops into the valley and ends at some farm buildings (GR096855). At the
farm go straight ahead on the tarmac. Go through a left/right dip, over a bridge, and up
a short climb to a farm at the top. Continue down the lane then bear right and climb to a
junction with Upper Booth Farm camp site on the right. Turn left and follow the lane down
hill. Go past a car park then under a bridge before the lane finally finishes at a
T-junction (GR113847).
6. Turn left onto the road to Edale that immediately bears
right. After roughly 1mile, at the bottom of a small dip in
soons descends gently to a gate by the road at
Mam Nick (GR125835). Turn left on the road for
a short climb over the crest. As the road drops
away to the right take the marked BW through the
gate on the inside of the corner which is the start
of the Rushup Edge section of the ride.
Mam Nick (GR125835). Turn left on the road for
a short climb over the crest. As the road drops
away to the right take the marked BW through the
gate on the inside of the corner which is the start
of the Rushup Edge section of the ride.
8. Turn right and climb the paved track along the ridge towards Mam Tor. After
the second gate follow the natural trail to the right of the paved track. The trail
becomes increasingly difficult before bearing right to stay by the fence on the
right and traverse the hill side just below the summit of Mam Tor. This track
the second gate follow the natural trail to the right of the paved track. The trail
becomes increasingly difficult before bearing right to stay by the fence on the
right and traverse the hill side just below the summit of Mam Tor. This track
9. Once through the gate follow the steep gravel track to a split in the trail at the top of
the ridge. Take the left hand track to follow the BW through a gate and along a grassy
singletrack trail that follows the crest of Rushup Edge, which is on the right. It is quite
easy going for a while until the next gate where the trail kicks up for a short, sharp climb.
At the top keep to the wall on the right and
continue following the ridge along the grassy
track with numerous small boggy holes. The
track descends gently to a gate at the bottom of
continue following the ridge along the grassy
track with numerous small boggy holes. The
track descends gently to a gate at the bottom of
the field. Go through this gate and the next one in the drystone wall on the
right a short distance later. Turn left on the gritstone trail on the other side of
the wall and descend to a three-way junction (GR099829).
10. Go straight on and descend the boulders and rock slabs to a gate. After
the gate continue descending the loose boulders and slab steps between the
grassy banks. The rocks finish at a gate by the main road on the left. Go
through the gate and keep the road on the left to follow a thin gravel track to a
gated junction a short distance later. At the junction turn right to descend the
wide track, that starts with a drop, away from the main road (GR092825).
Descend the rocky track to a tight left hand bend in a dip. After climbing out of
the dip the trail bears right and flattens off for a while, before descending to
another left hand bend in a dip. Again the trail climbs out of the dip, bears right
right a short distance later. Turn left on the gritstone trail on the other side of
the wall and descend to a three-way junction (GR099829).
10. Go straight on and descend the boulders and rock slabs to a gate. After
the gate continue descending the loose boulders and slab steps between the
grassy banks. The rocks finish at a gate by the main road on the left. Go
through the gate and keep the road on the left to follow a thin gravel track to a
gated junction a short distance later. At the junction turn right to descend the
wide track, that starts with a drop, away from the main road (GR092825).
Descend the rocky track to a tight left hand bend in a dip. After climbing out of
the dip the trail bears right and flattens off for a while, before descending to
another left hand bend in a dip. Again the trail climbs out of the dip, bears right
and flattens off. The track then descends
through two gates where some speed can be
gained. Be careful, after the second gate there
are some big rock steps just after a blind left
hand bend, which would be easy to hit going too
through two gates where some speed can be
gained. Be careful, after the second gate there
are some big rock steps just after a blind left
hand bend, which would be easy to hit going too
fast. After the rock steps the track bears to the right and drops into Roych Clough, with
some uneven bouldery cobbles just before the stream crossing at the bottom
(GR077837).
11. Climb away from Roych Clough following the wide, steep and loose track through a
few bends. After a straight section of the climb the track bears right to a junction just
after a gate. Go straight on up the track to the next gate. Go through the gate and
continue straight on for the final section of the climb where the trail becomes rutted and
rocky. Just before reaching the top the track bears right over some lumpy bedrock.
Descend from the top over a short rock section before traversing the ridge to a gate on
some uneven bouldery cobbles just before the stream crossing at the bottom
(GR077837).
11. Climb away from Roych Clough following the wide, steep and loose track through a
few bends. After a straight section of the climb the track bears right to a junction just
after a gate. Go straight on up the track to the next gate. Go through the gate and
continue straight on for the final section of the climb where the trail becomes rutted and
rocky. Just before reaching the top the track bears right over some lumpy bedrock.
Descend from the top over a short rock section before traversing the ridge to a gate on
descend past the George Hotel on the left, a good post ride pint option. Continue down the road and turn left directly in
front of the church. Go across the A624 using the pedestrian crossing to return to the Visitor Centre car park and the
end of the ride.
It is easy to underestimate this ride. Because most of the climbing and descending is of a technical in nature it will
normally take between 3-5 hours to complete. That said if you like technical riding you'll love it. There is not really
anywhere to stop and resupply on the route, unless you go into Edale, so make sure you have enough food and water.
All of this route can be plotted on OS Landranger 110.
More pictures and a description of the Flattyes 'Big' Ride I have taken on this route can be found in the Gallery.
This route crosses and can be combined with other routes from my site :
Hayfield Loop
Rowarth Route
Ladybower Loop
Glossop - Cut Gate
front of the church. Go across the A624 using the pedestrian crossing to return to the Visitor Centre car park and the
end of the ride.
It is easy to underestimate this ride. Because most of the climbing and descending is of a technical in nature it will
normally take between 3-5 hours to complete. That said if you like technical riding you'll love it. There is not really
anywhere to stop and resupply on the route, unless you go into Edale, so make sure you have enough food and water.
All of this route can be plotted on OS Landranger 110.
More pictures and a description of the Flattyes 'Big' Ride I have taken on this route can be found in the Gallery.
This route crosses and can be combined with other routes from my site :
Hayfield Loop
Rowarth Route
Ladybower Loop
Glossop - Cut Gate
| www.flattyresmtbroutes.com |
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the road, turn right down the lane directly before the 30 limit signs at the edge of Edale.
If you reach the junction in Edale you've gone too far. Climb the lane into the trees and
follow it through a sharp left hand bend. The lane then bears right. Just after the right
hand bend take the second track on the left, roughly 30m after the first (GR125845).
7. Turn left and climb the track through the gate. Directly after the gate are tracks
leading to the left and right with a grassy bank in front. Take the singletrack on the left
that traverses the hill side. After a gate in a drystone wall the trail kicks up and becomes
increasingly difficult as it gains height. The trail eventually bears right for the final steep
and technical rocky climb up the wide gritstone track to Hollins Cross (GR136845).
If you reach the junction in Edale you've gone too far. Climb the lane into the trees and
follow it through a sharp left hand bend. The lane then bears right. Just after the right
hand bend take the second track on the left, roughly 30m after the first (GR125845).
7. Turn left and climb the track through the gate. Directly after the gate are tracks
leading to the left and right with a grassy bank in front. Take the singletrack on the left
that traverses the hill side. After a gate in a drystone wall the trail kicks up and becomes
increasingly difficult as it gains height. The trail eventually bears right for the final steep
and technical rocky climb up the wide gritstone track to Hollins Cross (GR136845).
12. Turn right through the gate and follow the thin track between the drystone
wall and fence. After the next gate go up a short, rutted climb to a gate on the
ridge. Once through the gate descend off to the left on the gravel singletrack.
This track soon opens out on a rocky double track that goes through a few tight
corners and over some water bars. Again be careful, it is all too easy to gain
too much speed on this descent. After a tight left hand bend go straight on
down the track to a junction. Don't descend to the right, go straight on to a
junction with the previously ridden lane, which climbs up steeply from the right
(GR053861).
13. At this junction turn immediately left up the steep gravel track signed
posted as the Pennine Bridleway. The track soon flattens and traverses the
hillside to a gate in the drystone wall straight ahead at the trees. After the gate
go straight on for a sweet rocky and rooty singletrack descent. The track bears
left, then right, then left again before flattening off for a fun blast through the
trees along the valley. The trail eventually finishes at a lane by the stream in
the bottom of the valley (GR045866). At the next few junctions go straight
ahead, bearing slightly right, until the lane finishes at a junction with the main
road going through the centre of Hayfield (GR037868). Turn right and
the left hand side of Mount Famine (GR056846). Directly after the gate bear right over the bedrock slab then descend
the rutted and rocky track that ends at a double gate, making sure not to ride into the drainage ditch just before. At the
junction after the gates bear right and descend the wide, straight gravel track. Try not to overshoot the next junction,
where the track flattens out slightly and the Pennine Bridleway turns off to the right through a gate (GR050854).
the rutted and rocky track that ends at a double gate, making sure not to ride into the drainage ditch just before. At the
junction after the gates bear right and descend the wide, straight gravel track. Try not to overshoot the next junction,
where the track flattens out slightly and the Pennine Bridleway turns off to the right through a gate (GR050854).
