From the center of Castleton, at 604 ft (184 m), to the top of Winnats Pass at 1,362 ft (415 m), it’s 1.6 miles (2.5 km) at an average 9.2%: 758 ft (231 m) of climbing. The real climb starts at the edge of the village: Climbfinder measures from there and gives 1.2 miles (1.9 km) at 10.9%. It’s short, but it runs through a limestone gorge with sheer walls on either side, and its middle section is one of the hardest in the Peak District.
What the climb is like
- The first 650 yards, 600 m (1-6%). An easy start from Castleton, between houses and fields, to the Treak Cliff Cavern.
- To Speedwell Cavern (8-11%). The grade rises as you reach the entrance to this cave, an old flooded lead mine toured by boat. There’s a cattle grid (cattle guard) here.
- The gorge (13-17%). The middle kilometer is the hardest, between rock walls. Climbfinder measures 18.9% over the worst 100 m. There’s a second cattle grid right on the ramp.
- The last quarter mile, 400 m (6-11%). The road leaves the gorge and eases off to the junction at the top.
CyclingCols measures 2.5 km and 231 m from the village; Climbfinder, 1.9 km and 206 m from the village edge. Both agree on the top, at 409-415 m (1,342-1,362 ft).
History
The name comes from “wind gates,” for the gusts that funnel through the gorge. In the 1930s it hosted rallies of up to 10,000 people demanding free access to the Peak District moors. In cycling it’s a regular on the Tour of the Peak, a race held every fall, and in British hill climb events.
When to go, water and traffic
You can ride it year-round if there’s no ice. The problem is traffic: since the Mam Tor road closed in 1979, all westbound cars come this way. Go early or on a weekday. Castleton has pubs, shops and water; there’s nothing on the climb. Be careful on the cattle grids in the rain: they’re slippery.
What gearing to use
At 3 W/kg (watts per kilo of body weight) and 159 lb (72 kg), you’ll be doing about 3.7 mph (6 km/h) on 16%: on a 34x32 you’ll pedal around 44 rpm. Since it’s short, many riders stand up on a 34x28, but if your power is lower you’ll appreciate a 34x34. Check your combinations in the gear calculator.
Tips
- Don’t go out hard in the village: the hard part starts at Speedwell.
- Cross the cattle grids in a straight line without braking.
- If you like it, the area has other tough Pennine climbs, such as Holme Moss.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Winnats Pass?
From Castleton, a 159 lb (72 kg) rider on a 21 lb (9.5 kg) bike takes about 16 min at 3 W/kg (216 W), 19 min at 2.5 W/kg and 12 min at 4 W/kg. Work out your own time with your weight and power in the calculator on this page.
What is the steepest grade on Winnats Pass?
Climbfinder measures 18.9% over the hardest 100 m. Wikipedia mentions more than 28% as a one-off maximum, on the inside of a bend.
Is there a lot of traffic on Winnats Pass?
Yes, quite a bit: since the Mam Tor road was closed by landslips in 1979, it has been the main route west. It's closed to buses and trucks over 7.5 tonnes.