THORNCLIFFE BANK

THORNCLIFFE, STAFFORDSHIRE

Often overlooked in favour of its more popular neighbour on the opposite side of the A53, Gun Hill, this climb may be a little shorter, but it’s certainly a few degrees tougher. The hard work begins as you enter Thorncliffe, heading east towards the ridge and the border of the Peak District. Passing an old phone box, the slope kicks up violently and kinks round to the right. This first strength-sapping ramp delivers you to a mini-plateau in front of some farm buildings. Here you can compose yourself before getting stuck back into more of the steep stuff. With the glorious views out over the valley on your left, you grind up to a brace of bends, left then right as the gradient momentarily vanishes once more. From here on it’s hard work to the top; on and on you climb, over a couple of false brows, until you finally reach the junction with Morridgeside and the entrance to the Peak District National Park.