Eventrac News

HH100 Classic Route

20 Dec, 2024 10:29 By: Mark

100km Classic Route (HH100)

 

The HH100 is not for the faint hearted. With nearly 2000m of climbing it will be a real challenge.

Initially it follows the 60km Challenge Route. Leaving Haydon Bridge the route begins gently as it heads for Fourstones. Following the ancient Stanegate Roman Road (National cycle route 72) it first runs along a high ridge with spectacular views before dropping down the valley side and following the old road along the valley to the feed station in Haltwhistle. From there it climbs up to Plenmeller Common before dropping down to Whitfield and parting company with the 60km route. The map (right) shows the extra loop from Whitfield to Alston, Nenthead and back to Whitfield where it rejoins the HH60 route. See HH60 page for the beginning and end of the route.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Initially turning right it runs along the valley for a mile or so then begins the 6.5km long climb of the spectacular road up and over Mohope Moor. It only averages 3.7% and is never steep but it’s a great test of stamina none the less.

(For those who might fancy it, this climb forms part one of the Allen Valley Velo Hillclimb.) This is followed by a smooth, fast and enjoyable descent down into Alston.

 

 

A short kick up is followed by the left turn onto Alston's famous (infamous) cobbled high street. This is a challenging, but not impossible climb reaching its steepest gradients at the right hand bend by the market square. After this tough ascent through Alston the route continues to climb up the Nent valley to Nenthead and another feed station. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here the 140km Skyrider route goes its separate way, but don’t be too smug about avoiding their 25% ascent of Dowgang Hush, because you’ve got to get up Black Hill. At 1998’ this is the 3rd highest road in England. In 2.2km it rises 180m to average 8.2%, never exceeding 12%. The climb starts immediately after the feed station and follows the main road for about a 1km before turning left (the Skyrider heroes rejoin you at this point) and then on and up to the summit. Make sure to pause for a look around the views are spectacular from up there.

After this there is an exhilarating descent (watch out for the hairpin on the way down) and then another climb up over ‘The Chimneys’. It’s long, but not too steep, then travels across the Allendale Moors with spectacular views as far as the Cheviots on a clear day, before turning left at Five Lane Ends.

The run across pleasant farmland finishes with the steep descent of Common Bank with its sharp hairpin half way down and unforgiving 90 left at the bottom. 

Make sure your brakes are in good condition - we don’t want you doing what happened to Lindsay Jamieson 125 years ago!

 

Finally, turning right at the Elk’s Head you rejoin the HH60 Challenge riders for an enjoyable and easy run across the hill tops providing a final set of views of the Tyne Valley and the Cheviots before dropping back down to Haydon Bridge, the finish of the event and a well earned rest.