Hunting For The Hidden Peaks

In what can only be described as a cyclist’s playground, Paul Knott heads out into the Peak District to pursue the climbs that you haven’t ridden but definitely should

Sandwiched between Manchester — the hub of British Cycling’s track programme — and the south-western border of the county of Yorkshire, and its rich cycling heritage, it is unsurprising that the Peak District is such a hotbed for those looking to hit out on two wheels.

However, discovering new climbs in the area can be tricky. The aim of Cycling Weekly’s trip to the Peak District is to find climbs not so much off the beaten track — as I am only armed with a road bike — but looking for a climbing fix that hadn’t been picked up by major race organisers on a route-finding mission or that had tens of thousands of Strava segment attempts to its name already. Tricky to do in the age of social media, but not impossible.

Pindale climb

In search of the first of these hidden gems, I head in the direction of one of the most famous ascents in the region, Winnats Pass. But as I reach Castleton — the village that is the gateway to that ascent — I turn into the settlement and ride up Back Street towards Pindale Road. This climb may well fall under the radar, partly because it is located in the shadow of the more well known and widely used pass a few hundred metres up the valley. However, it is a brutish climb, with views to match.

As the road slowly rises into the tree line that hugs the right side of the hill, the temptation is to bail out at the junction with Siggate, and drop down along Pindale Road, as this is the exact moment where the climb really begins to pitch up. You rise out of the trees towards the hairpin corner that rounds the hillside and overlooks the cement works — it’s more picturesque than it sounds.