MAM NICK

BARBER BOOTH, EDALE

Mam Nick is a marvellous snaking road that climbs up out of Edale to Rushup Edge. It’s tough, but a good few degrees kinder than the infamous Winnats Pass on the other side of the ridge. Beginning just outside the village of Barber Booth, the gradient hits 1-in-6 straight away as you cross a small bridge, but lasts only a short distance before easing off. Following the first left bend it’s easier still, but not for long: more tough stuff is on its way. Mam Tor, translating as ‘Heights of the Mother’, looms way above you, watching your progress as the road gets steeper, weaving left and right like water flowing between rocks in a stream. As you enter the last few bends, it appears as if a giant blanket of green felt has been laid over the land, smoothing out all the rocks and bumps. Keep pushing through this surreal Tellytubbies-like scenery to finish where the road cuts its way through the gap in the ridge.