The Dark Peak Classic
Start/Finish: Hope, OS grid reference SK171835 Total distance: 51km/31.7miles Time: 6-8 hours Maps: Ordnance Survey OL1: Dark Peak area Summary: A seriously substantial big day out that knits together two classic loops (Ladybower and Edale), plenty of climbing and enough technicality to satisfy even the most jaded hill hound. From the centre of Hope, take the back road via the bottom of Pin Dale to Castleton. Continue west out of the village and climb the broken road (closed to motor traffic). Bear right and then right again along the road at the top towards Edale â€“ the Rushup Edge bridleway is on the left just before the summit. Pass through the gate and continue to ascend due west along an initially well surfaced and then eroded trail (the bridleway is well signed and passes to the left of the wall; please make sure you donâ€™t ride along the footpath instead). Pass through the gate, start descending, then bear right onto Chapel Gate. Descend a deep eroded gully to the road and turn right to climb back towards Mam Tor. At the bus stop, take the bridleway left, cresting the hill before dropping to Hollins Cross. Turn sharp left onto another bridleway and descend to Greenlands, passing through the gate onto the lane at the bottom. Turn right on the road. Go through Edale, under the railway bridge then left to Jaggers Clough. Follow the track over two climbs and a stream to Hope Cross. Continue straight ahead through the gates, then descend a rocky bridleway and climb briefly to the A57. Ascend the rough bridleway opposite. Pass through several gates and continue straight on at the top past Lockerbrook Farm, then head down to the reservoir road. Turn right, cross the valley below the dam at Fairholmes, and follow the lakeside track to a bridleway that ascends first slabs and then singletrack onto the edge of Whinstone Lee Tor. Descend back to the A57 via Cutthroat Bridge, bearing right behind the pub to emerge at Ashopton. Turn right over the bridge and right again before taking the bridleway left to climb Crook Hill. Follow the vague grassy bridleway along the ridge, crossing the previous track at the top of Hagg Farm. Continue straight ahead to Rowlee Farm and cross the A57 for the final time. Ascend the steep Tarmac and bear left onto Blackley Clough track to return to Hope Cross. Continue straight ahead and follow the Roman road all the way back to Hope, bearing left on road at the end to the village
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