Wrynose Pass Climb from Fell Foot Farm
Wrynose Pass Climb from Fell Foot Farm
Highlight (Segment) • Mountain Pass
Wrynose Pass Climb from Fell Foot Farm
Road cycling
4.9
(73)
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November 8, 2018
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October 10, 2020
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June 9, 2022
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Embark on the Fred Whitton Challenge eastern loop, a demanding racebike route starting from Grasmere in the Lake District National Park. This difficult 68.8-mile (110.7 km) journey features an impressive 6495 feet (1980 metres) of elevation gain, typically completed in 5 hours and 53 minutes. You will tackle iconic Lakeland passes like Kirkstone Pass, Honister Pass with its brutal 20-25% gradients, and Newlands Pass, offering steep ramps over 20% on narrow surfaces. Throughout the ride, you are treated to breathtaking views of ancient woodlands, waterfalls, looming mountains, and serene lakes such as Ullswater and Derwent Water, making the physical challenge worthwhile. The route is a true test of endurance, weaving through majestic landscapes and epic grassy slopes.
Given the extreme difficulty of this route, often cited as the hardest one-day ride in the UK, it is strongly advised against as a first sportive. The descents on these passes are frequently tricky, featuring sharp corners and uneven surfaces, so you will need excellent bike handling skills and reliable brakes. Plan your ride carefully, ensuring your equipment is in top condition and you are prepared for sustained steep gradients. The route's demanding nature requires significant physical and mental preparation, pushing even seasoned cyclists to their limits.
This eastern loop is part of the larger Fred Whitton Challenge, an annual event held in memory of Fred Whitton, a respected racing secretary. The challenge is renowned for its charitable efforts, raising over £2 million for causes like Macmillan Cancer Support, air ambulances, and youth cycling projects. Often dubbed "The Daddy of them all" by Cycling Weekly, it ingeniously incorporates almost all major Lake District passes, offering a comprehensive and formidable tour of the region's most challenging ascents. The event is also known for its excellent organization and strong community support.
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Embark on the Coniston and Hardknott Pass loop from Windermere, a difficult 54.3-mile (87.5 km) racebike route through the Lake District National Park. This challenging ride features a significant 5872 feet (1790 metres) of elevation gain, taking approximately 4 hours and 59 minutes to complete. You will cycle past England's largest natural lake, Windermere, and through diverse Lakeland scenery, including views of the Langdale Pikes and the Eskdale Valley, with the infamous Hardknott Pass presenting gradients up to 33%.
This route demands very good fitness and cycling experience, especially when tackling the extreme gradients of Hardknott and Wrynose Passes. Be prepared for sections that may be unpaved and difficult, potentially requiring you to push your bike. Descending these steep passes also requires careful handling due to their challenging nature and sometimes poor road surfaces. A unique ferry crossing adds an interesting element to your journey.
The Coniston and Hardknott Pass loop is renowned as one of the most challenging cycling climbs in the UK, often considered a rite of passage for experienced cyclists. Both Hardknott and Wrynose Passes hold historical significance as ancient Roman trade routes. Completing this difficult loop offers a profound sense of achievement, making it a bucket-list experience for many road cyclists seeking an iconic physical challenge combined with breathtaking natural beauty.
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Embark on the Wrynose Pass and Coniston Water loop, a difficult road cycling adventure spanning 44.4 miles (71.4 km) with a significant elevation gain of 3827 feet (1166 metres). This challenging route, typically completed in 4 hours and 2 minutes, plunges you into the heart of the Lake District's demanding terrain. The highlight is the ascent of Wrynose Pass, where you will face exceptionally steep gradients, some reaching over 20 percent, offering a brutal out-of-the-saddle grind. As you climb, spectacular views back towards the Langdale Pikes unfold, with moving shadows dancing across the craggy fells. After conquering the pass, the route descends dramatically before leading you to the serene eastern shore of Coniston Water, where quiet, rolling roads wind through wooded areas, providing a stark contrast to the earlier climbs.
To tackle this demanding loop, you should be prepared for extreme gradients, especially on Wrynose Pass, where sections can exceed 20 percent. Cyclists are advised to use a compact chainset to manage the climb, which from Fell Foot Farm is about 1.6 miles (2.5 kilometers) long with an average gradient of 11 percent. While the route is primarily paved, some variations around Coniston Water might include unpaved segments, so be ready for varied surfaces. You can find opportunities for refuelling at places like the Newfield Inn after Wrynose and in Coniston village.
This classic Lake District loop is celebrated for combining some of Britain's most challenging road climbs with tranquil lakeside cycling. At the summit of Wrynose Pass, you will find the historic Three Shires Stone, marking the meeting point of former county borders. Around Coniston Water, you are treated to extensive views of the lake and the majestic Old Man of Coniston. The tree-cloaked hills and pebble beaches of Coniston Water famously inspired Arthur Ransome's Swallows and Amazons, adding a literary charm to the natural beauty.
Details
Informations
Distance 2.74 km
Uphill 280 m
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Thursday 14 May
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