Oxnop Scar Summit

One of the lesser known climbs in the Yorkshire Dales, Oxnop Scar is a breathtaking stretch of singletrack road from the Swale Valley (Swaledale) up between the peaks of The Fleak to the east and Whitfield Fell to the west.The steepest part comes first, with gradients measuring up to 25% on the first right hand hairpin bend! It's amazing how quickly you rise up the bank, offering incredible views back down over Swaledale as you glide along the smooth black asphalt up the more gentle moorland summit. The total climb is 2.4 miles (3.8 km) long and peaks at 1,607 feet (490 m).

The crux is at the start. If you can get over the first 400m then you are home & dry. This and its near neighbour Long Band/Flow Edge are two of the finest climbs in Yorkshire. Once over the worst. the road can be seen disappearing into the high distance in a series of undulations. The fast descent into Askrigg is a joy or trial, depending on your confidence downhill!

Great views, make it worth the pain to get there.