“Returning by popular demand the 8th Hope Valley Mountain Bike Challenge takes place on Saturday 27th September 2008. For those brave enough to take up the challenge it offers a choice of two off-road routes of approx 20 and 38 miles around the Hope Valley.
For experienced riders the route is technical and takes you via Jaggers Clough, Edale and Jacobs Ladder to Hayfield returning via Rushup Edge and takes in Hollins Cross (Mam Tor) on the way back.
For a shorter day you can return from Edale still taking in some of the most beautiful scenery in the Peak District. As in previous years great refreshments will be available at 3 main check-points along the route together with hot soup at the finish.
‘It was probably one of the most varied and technical courses I have completed’ and ‘I enjoyed the challenge and the refreshments kept me going – thank you for organising such a fantastic day’ were some of the comments after the challenge in 2006.”

Registration will take place at Hope Valley College where parking is available. Be sure to arrive in plenty of time to register and get to the start point 3 miles away in Shatton, the finish is at Hope Valley College (with hot soup 😀 ). The start time is intended to be 9.30am. Riders must be 17 years or older and must wear a helmet. The entry fee is £15.
The event is organised voluntarily by two local Hope Valley schools, HVC and Hathersage Primary School, with all proceeds going to improving facilities for the children. Advance registration is advisable – it will ensure your participation as well as assisting with organisation and catering. The first 50 entries will receive a free T-shirt.

The route involves the downhill section down Brough Lane (watch out for snake-bites), Jagger’s Clough and Hollins Cross to Castleton on the short route as well as the long descent towards Hayfield and Chaple Gate 😯 in the long route. It generally looks a good route with relatively gentle climbs and descents, with a few more extreme sections on the long route.

View the route map – PDF 2.2MB
OS Getamap of start point
An interesting account of the 2006 event