There are many killer climbs in the Peak District – it’s the place of the peaks after all! Theyre hard and arduous but gong downhill the other side makes al the effort worthwhile

NB Grid references are approximate – they indicate the start of the hill climbs.

There are many killer climbs in the Dark Peak. Here are a few to test the mettle ? even of the most dedicated specialist. Only one rule that needs to be obeyed to make a claim ? no foot-downs allowed!

1 Jacobs Ladder GR: SK088862
The mother of all climbs ? included here more as a challenge to the mighty than anything else. The first section is loose and steep and has most folks off their bikes before they can reach the corner. The middle section relents somewhat and though rutted and tricky is ride-able by most mortals. The last section past the rock steps could well be the hardest section of technical climbing in the Dark Peak – is this the ultimate test???

If Jacobs Ladder has been ridden all the way from bottom to top we want to know ? leave a note at our message board.

2 Edale to Hollins Cross GR: SK126846
The first climb on our mega-challenging Edale Circuit ? now confirmed as do-able by a member of our proofing team! Not too bad right up until the end, but if you’re attempting this without prior knowledge you’ll need to scan carefully ahead for a good line round the steps near the top.

A good effort will almost certainly guarantee applause from the weekend gatherings at Hollins Cross.

3 Gores Heights GR: SK167911
Why is this so ****ing difficult? OK it looks fine on first acquaintance, but in the winter months this dark and dank uphill is slippery and often coated with leaves in various stages of decay. At any time of year the awkward rock steps appear at just the wrong time for a clean ascent. A formidable challenge that can be made all the harder by the presence of fallen trees!

4 Swallows Pride GR: SK305944
This is the return climb up the black route from the first descent on our Wharncliffe Cross Country circuit. The first section of uphill, just after the waymark past the pylon, gives a steady taster of what’s to come – then the climb mellows off for a while. The sting in the tail is the rocky section at the top, where full determination is required for success (especially with half a dozen full-face helmeted down-hillers whizzing round your ears).

5 Stanage Causeway GR: SK231847
The roman road that makes a long elegant curve up onto Stanage Edge is a classic off road climb. Never overly steep, the surface makes up for this by contriving to stay very loose and chucking in an endless series of tricky steps that always seem to be out of line!

6 Chinley Churn ? last 500m GR: SK047850
Definitely do-able – in the dry, if you’re feeling strong! Hyper-ventilation guaranteed.

7 Rushup Edge GR: SK125835
A challenging climb in a perfect situation, if you can master the start out of the gate at the bottom (often very slippery, but OK in dry conditions), there’s no reason that you’ll not make it to the top without a foot-down. It’s difficult to avoid being distracted by the superb views.

8 Jaggers Clough GR: SK154874
Starting from the gate in the ford at the bottom of Jaggers Clough is just the start of this challenging climb. Wet wheels do not help on the loose gravel steepness and it’s essential to keep your front wheel down to avoid impersonating the Lone Ranger! Quite a short-lived climb but satisfying once mastered ? the question is can you do it every time?

9 Win Hill from Aston GR: SK183838
From the tiny village of Aston, there’s a steep farm track that helps establish a good burn early on. From the top of this you enter a walled track that is usually damp with a muddy, loose surface ? tricky to master on first acquaintance! If you make it to the top of this track you can relax as open singletrack rolls out across the side of Win Hill where the contours are easily gained right to the top.

10 Porter Clough GR: SK292845
OK, not a desperate climb but loose and steep and a classic rite-of-passage that, once conquered, will live on in the heart of any Sheffield based mountain biker. Your first proper technical climb?