STATS: 36.2KM (22.5 MILES) CLIMBING 1,200M (3,937FT) TIME 2HRS 30MINS TO 3HRS 30MINS
Route summary: There’s technical, rocky riding throughout this route, taking in some classic Dark Peak descents, tough climbs and wonderful views along the way
Start/finish: Hope station (postcode S33 6RU, grid red SK 181/833)
1 Keep ahead/right to a main road junction. Go right then right again, signed to Aston. Gradually climb for 0.9km, then turn left on a steep track with bins, keeping left at the top/house, off-road, for a tough ascent across moorland.
2 At the top, keep ahead at a track crossing. Follow the treeline and join the Roman Road. Keep right on this, past Hope Cross, to a track crossing, and continue ahead (right is another technical descent, The Beast).
3 Continue along…