The Stang Climb – Barnard Castle Bridge loop from Kirkby Stephen

The Stang Climb – Barnard Castle Bridge loop from Kirkby Stephen

Hard

5.0

(1)

riders

The Stang Climb – Barnard Castle Bridge loop from Kirkby Stephen

04:58

96.7km

1,470m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 5, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Yorkshire Dales National Park

North Pennines National Landscape

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

1.48 km

Jubilee Park

Forest

10.6 km

20% Climb to Barras

Highlight • Viewpoint

Good punchy little climb up toward Barras from the South

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12.9 km

View of Eden Valley from Barras

Highlight • Viewpoint

Beautiful view of the Eden Valley

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17.6 km

Descent from Tan Hill Inn

Highlight • Trail

From Tan Hill all the way down to Barras this is a superb descent on single track roads with breathtaking views

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21.7 km

Tan Hill Inn – Britain's Highest Inn

Highlight • Pub

At 1,732 feet (528m), this historic Inn is the highest in Great Britain!

On the border of Cumbria and the Yorkshire Dales near the village of Keld, the pub is a lively and welcoming place frequented by cyclists, walkers, tourists and locals alike, and puts on many events including live music and festivals.

As well as the great food, you'll find rooms and camping available here.

tanhillinn.com

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30.0 km

Tan Hill - 100 Greatest Climbs #51

Highlight • Restaurant

Number 51 in Simon Warren's list of 100 greatest climbs, Tan Hill is a long 10km drag to the top from its start point near Whaw. It heads to the north west from here so if you're travelling in the opposite direction, you have a lovely shallow descent to enjoy.

The climb has an average gradient of 2% but with a kicker near the top of 10% so save a little energy for that as you summit.

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33.3 km

Lead Flue

Ruins

37.9 km

The Stang Climb

Highlight (Segment) • Climb

The Stang was the site of the 2013 National Hill Climb Championships. The gradient varies a lot - up to 18% in places, with an average around 5%. Wild and open landscape.

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49.5 km

Barnard Castle Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

This medieval stone bridge spanning the River Tees serves as a vital link between the towns of Barnard Castle and Startforth.

Dating back to the 14th century, this historical structure, overseen by the commanding presence of the castle, has been known as "County Bridge" due to its former role as the boundary between County Durham and Yorkshire.

Enduring the tests of time, the bridge underwent repairs in 1596 and saw the restoration of its parapets following the Great Flood of 1771.

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