DiscoverPlaces to seeMountain PeaksUnited KingdomEnglandNorth West EnglandCumbriaEdenMilburn
Great Dun Fell Summit Road
DiscoverPlaces to seeMountain PeaksUnited KingdomEnglandNorth West EnglandCumbriaEdenMilburn
Great Dun Fell Summit Road
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Great Dun Fell Summit Road
Road cycling
5.0
(30)
The gradual gradients of the North Pennines coupled with their lofty elevation make for a cyclist’s dream. If you’re after character-building ascents and huge descents on smooth tarmac, rides up Great Dun Fell are perfect. This high Pennine summit is held in such high esteem by cyclists that many claim it to be the greatest in the country.
The great routes of the Pyrenees aren’t the first things that spring to mind whilst gazing at Great Dun Fell from Penrith. However, to a cycling aficionado, the quality of the experience ahead soon becomes clear after just one look at those gradients and the extent of the track. This is Britain’s highest road, constructed for the radar station that adorns the summit, and the closest thing you’ll get to riding Spain’s premier mountain range on these shores.
An alpine style route in the Cumbrian Pennines.
Cycling routes to Great Dun Fell often start in the Eden Valley. Penrith and Appleby in Westmorland are good bases, with plenty of options for accommodation and sustenance. From the valley, the ascent is gradual in the first instance, with the radar station’s prominent, golf ball-esque orb pulling you onwards. After the village of Knock, things begin to steepen.
From here, the road is closed to general traffic. The gradient constantly shifts, reaching a maximum of almost 20% in its latter and most brutal stages. If you’ve got alpine ambitions, few places in Britain can give you such a rich experience as you experience the thrill of the down: fast, twisty and awesome.
Its height and inland location mean that Great Dun Fell greedily hoards snow in winter. Even if there has not been a dump for a while, black ice is a serious hazard during the colder months. This part of the Pennines is often visited by the Helm Wind too, a wind so ferocious that it is named, so be prepared for blustery conditions all year round.
The great routes of the Pyrenees aren’t the first things that spring to mind whilst gazing at Great Dun Fell from Penrith. However, to a cycling aficionado, the quality of the experience ahead soon becomes clear after just one look at those gradients and the extent of the track. This is Britain’s highest road, constructed for the radar station that adorns the summit, and the closest thing you’ll get to riding Spain’s premier mountain range on these shores.
An alpine style route in the Cumbrian Pennines.
Cycling routes to Great Dun Fell often start in the Eden Valley. Penrith and Appleby in Westmorland are good bases, with plenty of options for accommodation and sustenance. From the valley, the ascent is gradual in the first instance, with the radar station’s prominent, golf ball-esque orb pulling you onwards. After the village of Knock, things begin to steepen.
From here, the road is closed to general traffic. The gradient constantly shifts, reaching a maximum of almost 20% in its latter and most brutal stages. If you’ve got alpine ambitions, few places in Britain can give you such a rich experience as you experience the thrill of the down: fast, twisty and awesome.
Its height and inland location mean that Great Dun Fell greedily hoards snow in winter. Even if there has not been a dump for a while, black ice is a serious hazard during the colder months. This part of the Pennines is often visited by the Helm Wind too, a wind so ferocious that it is named, so be prepared for blustery conditions all year round.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
North Pennines National Landscape
Tips
Cold Dark North
August 13, 2018
Road cycling
The Daddy of UK mountains. 11/10 in Another 100 Greatest Climbs - "England's Ventoux". Careful on the lower slopes as it's easy to burn too much energy there. The last 2 miles of this climb to the highest paved surface in England is on beautiful closed roads. It's savagely steep in places and relentless. The view at the top will either be of nothing past your feet or of the whole world. A MUST for any road cyclist in the Cold Dark North
steven bulman
September 20, 2018
Road cycling
A serious undertaking for any cyclist even on a rare calm day. Well worth the effort and a beautiful place to be. The climb is brutal at times and the descent is exhilarating. An essential route for any keen cyclist. Put the miles in before taking it on.
steve
May 28, 2019
Road cycling
Try starting from Alston, going up to Hartside to get your legs working, makes a nice 50 mile. no facilities after you leave Melmerby, so take all you need on this out and back ride
Details below
komoot.com/invite-tour/63918052?code=pz6tb-gYsdJYLUx27cQ6xnT2iZ1UW5SBheBsf4GKnjPaAk6-0
relive.cc/view/2391335326
Details below
komoot.com/invite-tour/63918052?code=pz6tb-gYsdJYLUx27cQ6xnT2iZ1UW5SBheBsf4GKnjPaAk6-0
relive.cc/view/2391335326
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Great Dun Fell Summit Road
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Informations
Elevation 780 m
Good to know
Family Friendly
yes
Dog Friendly
yes
Weather
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Thursday 20 August
13°C
4°C
63 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 13.0 km/h
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