Conquering the North Pennines: A Cyclist's Guide to Epic Climbs

Challenge the Heights: Your Ultimate Cycling Adventure in the North Pennines

The Rugged Beauty of the North Pennines for Cyclists

The North Pennines, nestled between the Lake District and the Yorkshire Dales, stand out as a prime destination for cyclists seeking challenging ascents. Its landscape is a mosaic of long, gradual climbs and abrupt, steep inclines, forming an ideal training ground for hill climbing. This area is distinguished by its untouched wilderness, offering a serene yet demanding environment that tests even the most seasoned riders.

An Overview of the Exhilarating Climbs

While the climbs here may not always match the sheer brutality of those found in the Conwy Valley or the North York Moors, they certainly demand respect. Consider Chapel Fell, a notorious ascent known for its persistent headwinds, which adds a layer of difficulty to its already formidable gradient. The solitude of the region enhances the experience, with long stretches where the only companions are the open road and grazing sheep, creating a uniquely tranquil yet challenging ride.

Detailed Exploration of the Shorter Weardale Route

The shorter route, often referred to as the Weardale loop, is an 84km journey with a total elevation gain of 2,242 meters. Starting from Stanhope, riders are immediately met with the switchbacks of Unthank Bank, offering no gentle warm-up. The path then undulates across Bollihope Common, traversing three significant climbs before reaching Middleton-in-Teesdale. From there, a brief flat section precedes the formidable Newbiggin Common climb. This nearly 6km ascent begins steeply but soon levels into a steady gradient, guiding riders through immaculate and tranquil scenery. The North Pennines reveal their full glory under clear skies, providing some of England's most spectacular cycling vistas.

Conquering Peat Hill and Beyond

Descending from the ridge, cyclists arrive in Westgate, facing Peat Hill—the steepest climb of the ride, boasting sections up to 25% gradient, especially around the sharp turn exiting the village. This challenging section is followed by further ascents up Middlehope Bank after a descent from White Edge, culminating in a drop into Ireshopeburn. The route continues through Wearhead towards Allenheads, featuring a short, sharp climb with hairpin bends before a welcome, fast descent to Rookhope. The highlight of this section is Cuthbert's Hill, a road celebrated for its profound quietness, leading to an exceptionally peaceful stretch towards Blanchland.

The Final Stretch of the Shorter Loop

After experiencing the tranquility of the climb, the route guides cyclists to a right turn just north of Blanchland, leading to the 2.5km ascent of Bale Hill. This serves as the final significant climb, a last test of endurance before a long, rapid descent through Crawleyside, concluding the journey back in Stanhope. This route ensures a comprehensive and challenging experience, blending arduous climbs with moments of serene beauty.

Introducing the Longer, More Demanding Chapel Fell Route

For those seeking an even greater challenge, the longer Chapel Fell route covers 128km with an elevation gain of 3,051 meters. Also commencing and concluding in Stanhope, this route offers a gentle start along the River Wear before confronting one of the UK's most demanding climbs: Chapel Fell. This 10/10 monster is often accompanied by an inescapable headwind, making the ascent even more grueling. After conquering England's highest pass, riders descend rapidly towards the long climb of Yad Moss, leading to the ski slopes at its summit.

Mid-Route Amenities and Continued Challenges

Upon reaching the peak, the descent into Alston provides an opportune moment for a rest and refuel, with numerous cafes and amenities available at the 42km mark. The journey then proceeds to Nenthead. Instead of tackling the entirety of Killhope Cross, the route diverts north into more secluded areas, looping through Allenheads before rejoining Weardale. The subsequent challenge is the climb of Well Bank, leading back into Weardale to initiate the second half of this expansive figure-eight circuit. Riders can choose to head back to Stanhope at this point or, for the truly ambitious, continue up Swinhope Head, descend into Newbiggin, and face the intense Miry Lane before returning to Stanhope via Middleton-in-Teesdale and Bollihope Common.

Essential Information for Your Cycling Trip

Stanhope serves as an ideal base for cyclists, offering convenient amenities including a Co-op for provisions and various cottages and B&Bs in the village and nearby Crawleyside. For dining, local recommendations include the Pack Horse Inn and the Grey Bull Bunkhouse for evening meals, alongside the Baker's Loaf, Pizza Barn, and Roots of India takeaway. Beyond cycling, visitors can explore the Durham Dales Centre for local crafts, the historic stone bridge over the River Wear, the Killhope Lead Mining Museum, the Weardale Railway, and the spectacular High Force waterfall in Forest-in-Teesdale.

Chapel Fell: The Ultimate Test

Chapel Fell: A Grueling Ascent (3,940m, 320m elevation, 8% average, 16% max gradient)
This nearly 4km climb is a true leg destroyer, featuring ramps up to 16% and an almost constant headwind. As the highest pass in England at 628m altitude, it offers an extreme test of endurance and resolve for any cyclist.

Swinhope Head: A Longer, Less Steep Challenge

Swinhope Head: A Sustained Effort (5,497m, 318m elevation, 5% average, 15% max gradient)
Longer than Chapel Fell at 5.5km, Swinhope Head's summit is slightly lower, and its increased length distributes the elevation gain, making it a demanding but slightly less punishing climb on the legs.

Peat Hill: The Vicious Beginning

Peat Hill: A Killer with Sharp Kicks (3,547m, 262m elevation, 7% average, 25% max gradient)
Known for its brutal start, this climb features a series of 20-25% ramps and steep corners as it winds through Westgate. Despite the gentle final two-thirds, its initial ferocity makes it a formidable challenge.

Cuthbert's Hill: Wild and Remote Serenity

Cuthbert's Hill: A Scenic and Solitary Grind (2,759m, 150m elevation, 5% average, 20% max gradient)
This climb is cherished for its wild and remote character. Its narrow, twisting tarmac stretches for almost 3km, revealing a hidden 20% maximum gradient, offering a blend of tough cycling and stunning natural isolation.

Bale Hill: A Beauty with Killer Gradients

Bale Hill: Divided Challenge, Rewarding Views (2,471m, 190m elevation, 7% average, 20% max gradient)
A picturesque road featuring steep 20% gradients. The ascent is split into two sections, allowing a brief respite in the middle before pushing on to the summit, where breathtaking views await as a reward.

Well Bank: Nasty Slopes to Tranquil Summits

Well Bank: From Steepness to Serenity (2,263m, 213m elevation, 9% average, 18% max gradient)
This climb ascends from Weardale with unforgiving 20% slopes and sharp bends at its base, gradually easing into a steady climb towards a peaceful summit offering serene views and a sense of accomplishment.

Unthank Bank: Hairpins and Alpine Dreams

Unthank Bank: England's Alpine-esque Ascent (3,024m, 187m elevation, 6% average, 17% max gradient)
Just south of Stanhope, Unthank Bank features two of England's most impressive hairpins. These steep, winding bends evoke the feeling of riding in the Alps, providing an exhilarating challenge and picturesque scenery.

Miry Lane: A Short, Sharp and Rewarding Diversion

Miry Lane: The Worthwhile Detour (779m, 101m elevation, 12% average, 18% max gradient)
This short but intense road, with an average gradient of 12%, provides a challenging route out of Newbiggin. It offers a quieter alternative to the main road towards Middleton, making the effort worthwhile for its unique charm and peacefulness.

Newbiggin Common: A Giant North Pennine Pass

Newbiggin Common: The Long and Steadfast Ascent (5,801m, 338m elevation, 5% average, 10% max gradient)
This extensive pass, leading north from Newbiggin, is one of the North Pennines' giants. While not the steepest, its significant altitude gain over nearly 6km makes it a true monster, demanding consistent effort and offering expansive views.

Bollihope Common: Idyllic Rolling Grasslands

Bollihope Common: Scenic Beauty with a Kick (3,607m, 228m elevation, 6% average, 20% max gradient)
A truly sensational road traversing idyllic rolling grasslands. The southward route is highly recommended, featuring a short, sharp 20% ramp that offers a sudden challenge amidst breathtaking panoramic view