| 1. Just over 50 miles of varied cycling, using cycle trails (inc Trans-pennine Trail), country roads, and main A-roads. Initial 15 miles or so very challenging with some good long climbs around Cawthorne and High Hoyland, and again through Denby up to Ingbirchworth, joining the very busy A629. Once in Penistone, the ride joins the transpennine trail towards Wortley and is generally flat, though there is a decent climb when leaving the trail going into Wortley. Descend past Wortley Golf Club and then tackle the very steep Pilley Hills, before a leisurely descent of several miles to Elsecar, rejoining the TP Trail out towards Harlington. Route is then a mix of main and country roads through Hickleton, Brierley, South Hiendley before returning to the start point. Ride offers something for everybody, though inexperienced cyclists may find the early climbs pretty unforgiving. Pace yourself and the rest of the ride is fairly leisurely. |
Cannon Hall Country Park & Open Farm, Cherry Tree Inn (High Hoyland), Wind Farm at Royd Moor (Penistone), Penistone Town Centre with a large Tesco and several smaller shops/pubs, Thurgoland Tunnel (old Woodhead Rail Line), Wortley Hall, Elsecar Heritage Centre, Cortonwood Retail Park (with a Halfords store), Old Moor Wetlands Nature Reserve, are all on this route.
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