Ride report: Peaks with Hit The Hills

Bunk barn in Bamford.

This was a weekend trip based at a catered bunkbarn in Bamford with Hit The Hills. We stayed at the Homestead bunk barn, part of a working farm.

Out of the 21 who booked then we had two fails before we even got to the pub on Friday evening: two to a car break down (Robin and John) and Russell who realised that he was one wheel short of a complete bike when he was a few miles from Bamford.

This did mean more food for the rest of us though.

On Saturday we split into two groups, with both following pretty much the same route. Our guides were Mike Hickey and Michael Cycle. They’d put together a bit of a tour of some classics. Like all good routes it started with a climb, followed by a climb and then another climb. We were rewarded with a load of fun downhill though.

Mountain biking near Hope in the Peak District. Pedaling up Wooler Knoll in the Peaks.

Michael Cycle near Blackley Clough in the Peak District.

Riding a set of steps near Derwent Dam Derwent Dam waterfall.

Downhill near Ladybower reservoir.

The two best downhills were towards the end, firstly with the run to the Derwent reservoir. After a rest next to the weir we had a stinging climb up to Derwent Edge and followed by a steeper run. This had the bonus of finishing next to the Ladybower Inn.

Saturday route map: OS | GPX | Mapmyride.

We’d broken five of our riders on Saturday. Mind you, 25 miles and 760m in 5 hills was a decent challenge. So,on Sunday a slightly smaller group drove over to Hayfield and did a shorter route which took in the Kinder reservoir and Middle Moor. The easy descent to the reservoir was fast and fun. The set of steps on Middle Moor were entertaining too.

Group of mountain bikers in the Peak District.
Most of the Sunday group.

We finished with a sneaky drink at the pub in the middle of Hayfield.

Hit The Hills events logo.

Sunday route map: OS | GPX.

Thanks to Mike Hickey and Michael Cycle for inventing and guiding us on the routes plus Christian and the Hit The Hills guys for providing the food.

Our next bunkbarn trips are The Jubilee Clip and then the Snowdon up and down visit. See our events page for a complete list.

3 thoughts on “Ride report: Peaks with Hit The Hills”

  1. Pingback: mountain bike club trip awy weekend peak district | Hit The Hills Mountain Biking

  2. Hello Tim,

    Just reading an account of your mountain biking trip to Homestead Bunkhouse and found that your link to their website was broken. Here the correct link and it would be great if you had a moment to change it.
    http://independenthostels.co.uk/members/homesteadandcheesehouses/

    all the best

    Sam Dalley, Editor, Independent Hostel Guide

    p.s Here is a link to our map of Hostel and Bunkhouses in the Peaks
    http://independenthostels.co.uk/peak-district-bunkhouses-camping-barns-hostels/

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