Wiggle Peak District Punisher Sportive

If you can be sure of two things when taking part in the Wiggle Peaks Punisher sportive, they’re making the most of the Peak District on two wheels – and the physical punishing pain of doing so. With just short of 3,000m elevation gain on this ride, it’s no Peaks pushover.

From the start you’ll head out in an anti-clockwise motion around the National Park. It doesn’t take long before the first serious climb of the day presents itself, as you’ll haul up the hills to get through the historic village of Eyam via Grindleford and Sir William Hill Road, soon moving into Hope Valley.

Short, punchy climbs and descents follow immediately afterwards before a similar rise in gradient crops up, just after the honeypot village of Castleton. At least the picturesque Peak District rural roads provide a stunning backdrop for what will surely by now be a painful exchange with your legs, and there’s a way to go yet.

The next couple of climbs are kinder, at least. They’ll take you up to around the same elevation gain, but they’re more drawn out and less steep. You might prefer a briefer and harsher climb, but there’s no escaping them either way, battling the gradient through Whaley Bridge and beyond. A final push through to the highest peak of the ride will take you through Burbage and past Macclesfield Forest.

From here on in, the hills don’t let up and you’ll tackle constant elevations and drops along the way. The final sting – but by no means the last climb – comes just outside Thorncliffe as you head back to base. This isn’t for the faint-hearted, make no mistake, but you’ll savour completing this tough test for some time to come.