Winnats Pass, Derbyshire

[TheDoctor]

I have never seen anything as steep as Winnats. I was scared driving up it.
Only time I ever overtook something in first gear!!

 

[Mapster1989]

If you're reading this thread and don't know what we're all on about then I suggest you angle one of your rides to include this climb. It's certainly an achievement to get to the top that's for sure.

 

[simmi]

Its on my list to do, been a bit south of there to Matlock which is fully loaded with tough climbs, first did Bank road then back down the hill and straight into Riber which I didn't quite make, had to stop and die for a few minutes with the finish in sight.
If anyone has done these and Winnats I would be interested as to how they compare.

 

[MickeyBlueEyes]

Does anyone know how Winnats compares to Hardknott in the Lakes ?

 

[Hacienda71]

Hardknott is the daddy. It has sections as steep as Winnats, with switchbacks and it is longer.....

 

[Rohloff_Brompton_Rider]

It's all about gearing isn't it? I know of an ex pat on a Brompton with 18" bottom gear and he does both winnats and hardknott sat down, when he comes "home" on holiday.

 

[rich p]

I've done Winnats twice but I won't do it again. It's not a fun hill but one that you should try. I'd rather grind away on Ventoux for 2 hours than hurt that much. My lowest gear which was the only one used was 30 x 25 and I was in it from the cattle grid.
I don't think it ever gets to 33% though which Hardknot does. I failed on Hardknot but that was on the |Fred Whitton after 100 miles. I'd have failed anyway I think even if I'd been fresher.

 

[dellzeqq]

Does anyone know how Winnats compares to Hardknott in the Lakes ?

nowhere near as tough.

I did it Winnats once, on a group ride early in the morning. It was some time ago (1985) but unless they've made it steeper it wasn't so difficult. My lowest gear (of twelve!) would have been a 40/24.

The top of the pass was covered in fog. The ceiling of fog, combined with the steep walls of the pass, gave the impression of being in a cathedral. It was a quiet morning, and the sound seemed to bounce down from the fog. I'll not forget that as long as I live.

 

[ColinJ]

I walked up Winnats and back down again on a walking holiday about 20 years ago and I was very impressed by it. Parts of it didn't look like the UK at all.

I always meant to organise a long, hard forum ride from Hebden Bridge to take in that climb. It would have been a great day out on the bikes, probably about 100 miles with 8,000 or so feet of climbing also including Holme Moss and Snake Pass and a multitude of other big local climbs. If/when my health issues get resolved then I'll do that!

 

[dan_bo]

Yes. There's a lot worse. Its a Cat 3.

Hahahahahahaha.

 

[lanternerouge]

A mate who lives in Whaley does it often as hill reps....he's our unit pti and ex boot neck.
Never been up that rd so couldn't comment but if he says its challanging then I believe him.

He does it as hill reps?!!!? OMG....

It is on my list of cycling goals to make it up there!

This is my first effort on the Tour of the Peak... made it just past the photographer!

 

[Hicky]

I'll be seeing him tomorrow morning and ask his gearing, if you see a dark haired bloke running around Whaley bridge wearing a Bergen it is him!

 

[Tail End Charlie]

First time I tried Winnats was a Sunday and I failed, I need to weave and the traffic didn't allow it. Next time was a Monday and I managed it but only just. No prizes for the speed though. Legs were like jelly near the top. It's one of those hills I wouldn't be confident about getting up again, it would depend on how I felt on the day. Whereas some hills I could get up however I felt (Cat and Fiddle being one).
Hardknott is tougher - that one I've never managed from either side.

 

[benborp]

I didn't make it up Winnats. It was the 40mph headwind that did for me though. I had to lie down for some of the stronger gusts.

 

[Ningishzidda]

Winnats, my friends, is a gentle slope up a country track.