Cragg Vale Ascent

A variation on a British Cycling approved route.
I have chosen this route for those who want to try riding uphills in this area. If you would like to get out of the valley to enjoy the most beautiful views of the Calder Valley, this is perhaps the place to begin. Although Cragg Vale is famed for being the longest, continuous climb in England (it is 5 miles/8 kilometres long), it is a very steady climb. Once you have established a comfortable rhythm and gear at the beginning of the ascent, it remains consistent for most of the way to the top. You are encouraged to stop for a breather as many times as you like and take in the stunning views. Depending upon the group’s ability and desires, we don’t have to go all the way to the top. The aim is to help you develop the skills and stamina to ride the hills in the beautiful Calder Valley and beyond.

Starting in Hebden Bridge we follow Cycle Route 66 to Mytholmroyd where we join the bottom of Cragg Vale (B6138]. There is a varying amount of traffic on this road but it is generally quiet outside commuter times.
Half way up we can choose to turn left at Sykes Lane which joins New Road where we will find Craggies’ Cafe (5.7 miles and 1,138ft). We can proceed from there down Steep Lane and have a choice of quiet routes taking us onto Scout Road and back to Mytholmroyd and then Hebden Bridge (12.1miles total).
Or, we can continue to the top of Cragg Vale to Blackstone Edge Reservoir (7.6 miles and 1,283 ft) where we will turn right in the direction of Ripponden (A58). As we descend we will turn left immediately before the reservoir taking some quiet roads back towards Steep Lane and where we have a choice of routes which will take us on to Scout road back to Mytholmroyd and Hebden Bridge. (18.3 miles total)

The route can vary depending on ability and weather.