Glossop Moor Pass and Dale Loop

A loop that starts at the edge of the Dark Peak and begins with a long, graded climb up a historic moorland road to a bleak summit, followed by a slow descent beside a wide reservoir. After that the route turns south through a broad, green dale of stone villages and across a limestone plateau.

About four-fifths is on A roads, long, open and mostly relaxed. The exception is one short, steep and narrow limestone gorge, with cattle grids and sheep, which needs low gears and attention; it is the one properly demanding half mile on the ride. The moor tops are exposed and cold even in summer, so dress for it. Best from May to September.