From Holmbridge (607 ft / 185 m) to the top of Holme Moss (1,719 ft / 524 m), next to the big radio mast, it’s 2.9 miles (4.7 km) at an average of 7.4%: 1,135 ft (346 m) of climbing. It’s the best-known climb in the Pennines and a classic of British cycling: the Tour of Britain and the Leeds Classic used it for years, and in 2014 the Tour de France climbed it.
What the climb is like
You climb the A6024, Woodhead Road, a wide, well-paved road.
- Km 0 to 2 (miles 0-1.2), 7-11%. It starts hard leaving Holmbridge, with a 10-11% ramp and then sections of 4-9% up to the village of Holme.
- Km 2 to 3 (miles 1.2-1.9), 1-5%. A breather after Holme, up to Ings bridge.
- Km 3 to the top (mile 1.9 on), 7-11%. The road comes out onto the open moor and steepens: the second-to-last kilometer is at 10-11%, and Climbfinder measures 12.3% for the hardest 330 ft (100 m). The final stretch, with a single tight bend, eases up to the parking area.
Climbfinder measures 2.9 miles (4.7 km) and 1,135 ft (346 m) from Holmbridge. CyclingCols starts in Holmfirth (4.6 miles / 7.4 km), and its profile puts Holmbridge at about 607 ft (185 m), which gives the same elevation gain. Wikipedia lists 4.3 miles (7 km) and 1,293 ft (394 m) at 5.6% for the climb from Holmfirth.
History
The 2014 Tour de France started in Yorkshire, and its second stage, from York to Sheffield, crossed Holme Moss through a huge crowd. Frenchman Blel Kadri was first over the top. Before that, the climb had often been decisive in the Tour of Britain, and British fans half-jokingly call it “Le Col de Moss”.
When to go, water and traffic
It’s one of the first roads in the area to close for snow in winter. The rest of the year you can ride it, but the moor is very exposed: a west wind can be brutal on the last kilometer. Traffic is moderate. There are pubs in Holmbridge and Holmfirth; at the top there’s just a parking area.
What gearing to use
A 34x28 works well. At 3 W/kg and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll ride about 5.6 mph (9 km/h) on 10%: with a 34x28 that’s about 60 rpm. If you want a higher cadence on the final section, a 34x30 or 34x32. Check your combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Don’t go too hard on the opening ramp: the decisive kilometer is the second-to-last one.
- Check the wind before you go: with a headwind on the moor, it’s a completely different climb.
- For a Pennine climbing route, add Winnats Pass, in the Peak District.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Holme Moss?
A 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 24 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 29 min at 2.5 W/kg and 19 min at 4 W/kg from Holmbridge. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
When did the Tour de France go over Holme Moss?
On stage 2 of the 2014 Tour, from York to Sheffield. The first rider over the top was Frenchman Blel Kadri.
Where does the Holme Moss climb start?
The classic climb starts in Holmbridge: 2.9 miles (4.7 km) at 7.4%. From Holmfirth it's about 4.3 miles (7 km) and 1,293 ft (394 m) at 5.6%, with an almost flat first couple of kilometers.