Bradwell Hillbilly

June 22 2025

Bradwell Derbyshire

Unconfirmed

Distances: 55, 78 km

Difficulty: Moderate terrain with rolling short steep hills or moderate, sustained climbs

"Probably the toughest little sportive in the country"

At over 2334m of climbing in a route of only 78km, The Bradwell Hill Billy is the Peak District's answer to the Fred Whitton. With 7 climbs at over 20% gradient and plenty of smaller lumps in between. Including some of the peak districts more famous climbs(winnats pass) and some lesser known but equally trying beasts to test the legs. This is a great challenge for those new to sportives or an epic training ride for those building up to bigger challenges.

The views from the tops are fantastic and for those demon descender s, there are some lovely sweeping bends and technical descents to be had. Be warned though, this is not a ride to be rushed. As with the story of the hare and tortoise- it is the tortoise that has the stamina to get through the terrain, keeping a steady pace, taking in the scenery, munching through the oceans of flapjack on offer at pit stops, who breezes up the gruelling final hill- Winnats pass, and even has enough left in the legs to complete the sneaky sharp hillock that send the hare’s legs into spasms just before the finish! This sportive is the most scenic and torturous of rides and it is becoming a classic ride in the Peak District's cycling calendar.

The profits from this ride have kept Bradwell's small village pre-school going and transformed it into the vibrant, happy school that it now is. Offering a first class education to the children of the hope valley.

Sign up and enjoy the ride and stay around for some amazing hospitality and enjoy the fact that in taking part you're helping maintain the fabric of life in a Peak District community. If you don’t feel up to the full challenge, try the shorter five hills route (57km, 1523m of climb). If you are not sure which to do, you can always enter the Hill Billy but on the day simply ride the 5 Hills -- the course is set up to allow this as an easy swap on the day.

There are relaxed start times -- you choose when you want to start between 8am and 9.30am. There are two water/feed stations on route with a good supply of flapjack. You'll receive a warm welcome at the checkpoints, and when you finish we’ll have a large spread of homemade cakes to refuel you, refresh you and take some sting out of those achy legs.

If you wish to bring the family along we will be running skills trails for the younger riders. Balance bikers to Junior schoolers. Running from 9am to 1pm.

Bradwell Hillbilly