“It’s not the mountains we conquer, it is ourselves”
Sir Edmund Hillary

Welcome to the home of an incredible and unique UK cycling challenge.

Pure Peak Grit was created in 2019, and tested by a group of inspiring mile-munching ladies (see how they got on here).

The idea was to design a continuous route (no out-and-backs), linking together every famous and categorised road climb by bike, the hardest way up, in the Peak District National Park and the immediate vicinity around it. The resulting route was approximately 600 km (380 miles) long, with 13,600m (44,600 feet) of ascent.

The route changes slightly every year, but remains just as long, just as hilly and require just as much grit to complete. 

In 2026, we launched the "PPG Prologue", going back to our routes of women in endurance and ultra-distance cycling.  The Prologue is aimed at introducing more women into ultra-distance cycling and race, in a supported format.

Details

Start/Finish HQ:

Barn Farm, Birchover, Matlock, DE4 2BL

Date and Time: 

Saturday 26th June 2027

Sign-On from 06:30

Rider Briefing at 07:45

Depart at 08:00

HQ Closes at 15:00 Monday 6th July

Route: 

Main PPG Event (more info)

~640km / ~13,500m ascent. 100% on road.

PPG Prologue (more info)

~200km / ~4,500m ascent. 100% on road.

The 2027 ride handbook will be circulated to riders at least a month prior to the event and the confirmed route 2 weeks prior to allow for final route checking.

Cost:

Main PPG Event

£155

PPG Prologue

£80*

*Please note this event is only open to women (FLINTA) cyclists, aiming to help support greater participation of women in ultra-distance cycling

What's included?

• Hot and cold food and drink at the start and finish, as well as between loops when riders pass through the HQ

• Use of event HQ for refreshments and respite including showers, charging and bag drop. Camping MUST be booked separately through Barn Farm Camping

• Tracker rental and website hosting

• Goodie bag

• £30 minimum donation to the charity a local charity* 

• The experience, achievement and satisfaction of attempting one of the most difficult road cycling routes in the UK.

• Peacocks (not to be taken home)

*The £30 donation taken from entry fees only applies to the Main PPG Event. Riders taking part in the PPG Prologue can decide to make a voluntary donation at checkout, or on the day.

Sleeping, nutrition & being self supported

Please note, you are obliged to make your own arrangements for nutrition, sleeping and rest outside of the HQ during these events. PPG is a self supported event so there is NO provision for recovery for full Pure Peak Gritters. For Prologue riders, recovery may be possible but is subjest to avalibility of event volunteers. 

The HQ at Barn Farm Campsite has fantastic facilities and riders can make use of showers, bag drop, charging and book their own camping direct with the site (book ASAP to ensure availibilty and mention Pure Peak Grit when booking). Hot and cold drinks and hearty vegetarian based food will be available for riders for the duration.

This is not an entry level event and your previous experience/ride ability will be screened on application.  Pure Peak Grit reserves the right to refuse applications. 

Applications from under 18 years olds will not be accepted.

For 2027 we are classifying three levels of completion:

- Pure Hope Loop Finisher

For some, completing >200km of the some of the most iconic climbs in the Peak District will be a challenge enough...

- Peak of Darkness Finisher

For those brave enough to venture out onto the second loop, you will be riding into the "Dark Peak" at night. Will your spirit (and knees) hold out until the dawn?

- Full Pure Peak Grit Finisher

Only those gritty enough to undertake the "Grit and Glory loop" and complete the whole course, enjoy all the climbs and show they can #hackthehillage.  They shall be commended on the "Wall of Fame".

- Prologue Rider

We do not classify placings or timings for the Prologue as it is a introdutory event, and just taking on the challenge is an achievement in itself. 

Charity

Every year PPG supports a charity with links to the Peak District, supporting people in the local area or participating in outdoor activities.  This year PPG will be supporting the Wildfire Appeal, run by the Peak District National Park Foundation and a proportion of the entry fee from every rider will go towards making the Peak District National Park a safer, better place to cycle or just enjoy being outdoors.

There is an opportunity whilst registering for the event to make an additional donation to the charity if you are feeling particularly generous. All donations are greatly appreciated.

PPG is a not-for-profit organisation association and after expenses and charitable donations, we reinvest into the event for future years. The event is run solely by volunteers and we are massively grateful to everyone that makes this event happen!