Cut Gate Path, Peak District

Cut Gate Path, Peak District

Cut Gate Path is a classic ungraded natural singletrack route in the Dark Peak, crossing Howden Moors between Langsett and the Upper Derwent Valley. Ridden as an out-and-back in either direction, the classic crossing runs to around 21 miles (34km) return, taking in exposed moorland, rocky descents and the notoriously technical steps near Cold Side. It's a tough, remote ride: expect to be walking sections, and don't be disheartened if you are. The Upper Derwent reservoirs at the southern end also offer a well-used gravel and family cycling network worth combining with a visit.

The Trail

Cut Gate is technical singletrack in a remote, exposed setting, crossing Howden Moors between Langsett and the Upper Derwent Valley. Expect lots of rock, steep climbs and fast, technical descents, including the notoriously tricky steps near Cold Side towards the southern end. The moorland sections can get seriously boggy in wet weather and are best avoided until conditions dry out or freeze hard; summer or a firm frost gives the best riding. Peak District MTB, Ride Sheffield and the Moors for the Future Partnership have carried out drainage and stone pitching on the worst sections in recent years, but this is still a serious, self-sufficient ride, so download a route or use GPS navigation before you set off.

Most riders tackle Cut Gate as an out-and-back, around 21 miles (34km) return in its classic form. Longer loop variations exist, linking Cut Gate to Langsett Reservoir at the northern end or the Fairholmes side of the Upper Derwent Valley at the southern end, for a bigger day out.

Gravel Riding

The tracks around the Upper Derwent reservoirs, Derwent, Howden and Ladybower, form a well-used gravel and family cycling network, reached from the southern end of Cut Gate at Slippery Stones or from Fairholmes car park. Peak District National Park Authority publishes its own cycle route guide for the valley: mostly smooth gravel and estate road, with the top section past Kings Tree closed to general traffic at weekends and bank holidays. It makes a natural add-on ride before or after tackling Cut Gate itself.

Local Organisation

• Ride Sheffield and Peak District MTB are the two local groups most involved in advocacy, maintenance and access work on Cut Gate.

Getting Here

The main trailhead is Langsett Barn Car Park, Whams Road, Langsett, Barnsley, S36 4GY, free to use with toilets on site, just off the A616. At the other end of the crossing, Slippery Stones is reached from Fairholmes Car Park in the Upper Derwent Valley, S33 0AQ, or from Kings Tree at the top of Howden Reservoir on weekdays, when the road stays open to cars. Both ends make a valid start point for the out-and-back.

Public transport to either end is limited, so a car is the practical option for most riders.

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