I set off from home at 10am and arrived at the visitor centre at 11.30 and had lunch before starting the 17.5 mile route at around 12am. It was quite cold outside but the sun was shining and I soon warmed up once I got going.
After a short ride trough Hayfield I crossed a river and continued to the start of the ascent to Jacob's ladder. The ascent wasn't overly steep but the rocky surface made it hard work and you had to keep your speed up in order to clear it. Some parts of the climb gave the elution that you were nearing the top but you reached the top of the climb only to find another ascent straight after. I found this quite challenging and had to stop several times to catch my breath.
I finally reached the summit which started with several steep drop-offs. I got over the first one but then dismounted for the second. One of the walkers coming the other way jokingly shouted "Shall I call an ambulance now or later?". I managed the rest of the descent without dismounting, this had to be one of the best descents I'd done so far in the peak district. It was very steep, fast and rocky with plenty of drop-offs.
The trail then continued past a farm and along some country lanes until a climb up the side of a hill. This section was very muddy and my balding summer rear tyre didn't help with the ascent up it.
The view from the summit looking over hope valley more than made up for this tricky climb though. I'd never seen so ramblers in one place on the peak district before but you could see why they were their. There were some stunning views looking over the valley.
I then headed up the paved rocky path towards mam tor. I was so busy stopping to take photos I missed the right turn to take me along the route I was following and headed on up mam tor. At about two-thirds of the way up I realised my mistake and cut across the undergrowth to join the correct path on the right.
The path continued to the road which I followed for a short distance to the start of the Rushup Edge section of the ride. I came to a junction which was split so that walkers took the path on the right and bikes/horses took the path on the left. Here there were quite a few gliders which looked as if they were flying very close. The bridle-path was very boggy with large puddles which were quite a bit deeper than they looked.
After this came another rocky descent but this path was full of ramblers so I decided to take the high road along the edge of the grassy bank and go around them.
A short distance later I came to a nice rocky descent complete with drop-offs. Unfortunately there were about seven 4x4 type vehicles all struggling to manoeuvre the descent. It was quite amusing to watch them try and navigate the path but was also blocking it. I went around them which was still quite a fun descent.
The trail then continued up a long climb with some more nice views. About half-way up the 4x4 vehicles over-took me. Then came the final descent back towards Hayfield. My recollection of the final sections is now a bit vague but it was all very enjoyable.
I got back to the car at 16:30 before eating, changing and heading back home.
I think this was the most enjoyable of my Peak District rides so far and also included the best views. I will definitely be making the journey back here again.
The route I followed (including GPX)-
http://www.flattyresmtbroutes.com/HayfieldJacobsLadder.html
More Photos-
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| Peak District - Jacob's Ladder |
