Climb 6 of 22Peak District, England
Winnats Pass
Just west of Castleton in the Peak District, Winnats Pass is a narrow road through a limestone gorge. The name comes from "wind gates", after the wind that swirls through it.
- km long
- 1.9
- metres up
- 204
- steepest part
- 17%
- Flat
- Gentle
- Steady
- Hard
- Steep
How long does it take to ride up Winnats Pass?
For a rider who weighs 75 kg, riding at a steady pace with no stops:
- New to exercise: about 27 min
- I ride now and then: about 21 min
- I ride most weeks: about 16 min
Put in your own weight and fitness to see your time.
Ride Winnats Pass at home
In Couch to Climb, the plan for Winnats Pass is 8 weeks, with 3 rides a week on your smart trainer. It is climb 6 of 22. You start on Box Hill for free, then work up the climbs one at a time.
About the climb
The climb starts near Castleton, by Speedwell Cavern at the foot of the pass. The road runs up a cleft with high limestone ridges on both sides. The steepest part comes past halfway.
The old main road over Mam Tor closed for good in 1979 after the ground slipped, so Winnats Pass now carries much more traffic. The Tour of the Peak bike race often climbs it in the autumn.
Riding it for real
Expect cars, as the road is busy. Buses, coaches and lorries over 7.5 tonnes are not allowed on it.
Questions about riding Winnats Pass
Just west of Castleton in the Peak District, Winnats Pass is a narrow road through a limestone gorge. The name comes from "wind gates", after the wind that swirls through it.
Where is Winnats Pass?
It is in the Peak District in Derbyshire, just west of the village of Castleton.
Why is it called Winnats Pass?
The name is a changed form of "wind gates". It comes from the strong winds that swirl through the gorge.
Why is Winnats Pass so busy?
The road over Mam Tor closed in 1979 because the ground kept slipping. Since then, Winnats Pass has taken much of its traffic.
Updated . Written by Next Big Leap Ltd, who make the Couch to Climb app.
Ride up a famous climb on your indoor bike
Couch to Climb is a step by step plan for a smart trainer at home. It takes you from the sofa to the top of a real climb, with no stops. Your first climb, Box Hill, is free.
