Cragg Vale

The ride starts from outside the Co op on High street in Uppermill. There are some great views as you climb out towards Sowerby Bridge. The route heads to Mytholmroyd and the start of the Cragg Vale climb by way of a short testing climb at Luddeden. The B6138 Cragg Road is arguably the longest continuous ascent in England, climbing 968 feet over 5.5 miles. With an average gradient of 3%, the Cragg Vale Incline isn’t particularly steep, but it is a long drag. In July 2014 the incline was part of the route of the 2014 Tour de France. There is usually an ice cream van at the top of the climb during the summer. There is a fast descent down Blackstone Edge to the next control at Littleborough and then the opportunity for a cafe stop at Hollingworth Lake. The route returns to Uppermill via Wildhouse lane (B6225) which can be busy at weekends and during school holidays.