ECCLES PIKE

CHAPEL-EN-LE-FRITH

RATING 6/10

The name pike means ‘pointed hill’, and there are two ways up to this particular apex: one from the west, and this one from the east. I preferred this side, but of course feel free to ride them both and make your own mind up. Leaving Chapel-en-le-Frith on either Crossings Road or Eccles Road, you’ll reach the base where the two meet and the push towards the point at the top of the hill begins. Past the last of the houses there’s some solid climbing to get stuck into, followed by a welcome rest before the proper work starts. As the trees clear, you’ll see the pike on the horizon ahead – first over to your left, and then, as you climb closer, to your right. The higher slopes are framed by scrubby grassland and offer fantastic views out over the Combs Reservoir as you push on to the summit, which is now square ahead, waiting for you to cross; drop down the other side, and then head back up again.

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