Circular cycle route
Matlock and the surrounding area within the Peak District is steeped with road cycling hill climb history, with infamous ascents nearby including Sydnope Hill, Riber Road, Bank Road, Bonsall, Stanton and Rowsley Bar.
The Matlock Top 10 cycle route is a hilly one (5700 ft) and as the name suggests, there’s 10 large ascents some at 20% and all tightly packed into just a 38 miles (60 km) circular loop.
However, you’re rewarding with breathtaking views along the way as well as some awesome places to take a break and enjoy the Peak District National Park at it’s best. Once you’re finished, be sure to visit Cool River Cafe & Patisserie for a ride recovery, great coffee and tasty French patisseries.
The climb of Rowsley Bar is a workout on those legs, steep from the start this climb doesn’t give in, infact it just gets steeper! The scenery is fantastic howevever, turning and forth through tree lined hairpins putting those legs to the test. Once at the top you’ll find yourself on the moors, where you’re rewarded with a view over the Peak District you won’t forget!
The ten climbs along the way you’ll cycle up are:
- Sydnope HIll – 2.5km (183m, 7.9% av)
- Bank Road – 0.7km (72m, 10.3% av)
- Riber Road – 0.6km (87m, 14.5% av)
- Holloway – 0.9km (84m, 9.3% av)
- Alderwasley – 3.5km (188m, 5.4% av)
- Wirksworth – 1km (100m, 10% av)
- Bonsall – 4.4km (210m, 4.8% av)
- Stanton Lees – 1.9km (170m, 9% av)
- Stanton in Peak – 1.2km (89m, 7.4% av)
- Rowsley Bar – 2km (203m, 10.2%)
For more information on the route do check out the Matlock Top 10 2018 event guide, which has detailed breakdowns of each climb along the way.