View of Mardale Moor – Blackstone Edge Reservoir loop from Mills Hill

View of Mardale Moor – Blackstone Edge Reservoir loop from Mills Hill

Hard

riders

View of Mardale Moor – Blackstone Edge Reservoir loop from Mills Hill

03:38

75.1km

1,020m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: September 10, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.90 km

Buckley Wood

Forest

19.3 km

View of Mardale Moor

Highlight • Mountain Pass

Panoramic views over the valley and March Haigh reservoir. There’s usually an ice cream van in the car park, and hang-gliders if the winds right.

Tip by

45.4 km

Start of the Oliver Collinge Climb (Cragg Vale)

Highlight • Climb

This point marks the start of what is claimed to be England's longest continual road ascent. It's not that steep (ave gradient 3%) but climbs 968 feet (295 m) in …

Tip by

45.7 km

Cragg Vale – England’s Longest Continuous Climb

Highlight (Segment) • Viewpoint

At around 5.4 miles and at an average gradient of 3%, Cragg Vale is England's longest climb. Although not particularly steep (maxing out at around 10% and not for very long), it is worth a look.

Tip by

54.5 km

Blackstone Edge Reservoir

Highlight • Lake

After climbing up Blackstone Edge or Cragg Vale. Stop and enjoy the views.

Tip by

54.9 km

Blackstone Edge Reservoir

Lake

55.2 km

The White House

Highlight • Climb

At the top of the climb up Blackstone Edge. Amazing views.

Tip by

56.3 km

Blackstone Edge Road Climb

Highlight • Climb

Blackstone Edge is a climb up from Littleborough with the Blackstone Reservoir at the top.

It is 2.5 miles long with an average gradient of 6% and max of 10%. …

Tip by

60.7 km

Hollingworth Lake

Highlight • Pub

Hollingworth Lake was developed as a water source for the Rochdale Canal but now provides a beautiful backdrop to a range of watersports and a visitors centre (with cafe).

Tip by

61.1 km