Rosedale to Rosedale Head (via Bell End Farm)

Distance 1.9 miles

Max Gradient The gradient is variable all the way and probably averages around 6 or 7%, at it’s steepest it is probably around 10-12% but only for short sections.

Where do you find it?

Rosedale is a small picturesque village in the south western area of the North Yorkshire Moors a few miles north of Kirbymoorside. If you have got yourself to Rosedale and need to get back to the Teesside area (if you live near Pickering, Kirbymoorside or Helmsley lucky you). You are faced with a decent climb. Your options are Rosedale Chimney Bank, westwards up a steep climb up Heygate Bank to a circuitous route via Hamer Moor or this, the most direct northerly route, up to Rosedale Head and then back towards Castleton. It is probably the lesser of the three evils, but not to be taken lightly.

Description

The climb starts just outside the village itself and rises very gradually until you get to Bell End Farm where the road bends right and the gradient increases to around 7% with the occasional steeper ramp. The surface is patchy but once you get above a small wood on your left this improves and the climb comes to a logical end at a cattle grid. From here the road continues to drag on slightly for a couple of miles until you get to the top of Rosedale Head and even this can be quite energy sapping if you have a head wind.

It’s quite a long and very satisfying climb with stunning scenery and if you can find a good rhythm almost enjoyable. We’d descended this earlier in the ride and it is a great descent where you can throw a bit of caution to the winds, especially on the upper section where it’s reasonably straight. More care is needed lower down near the farm where there are a few tighter corners.

Photos

Our Ratings and Comments

• Paul – 6
• Rob – 5
• Ian – 6
• Dave – 5

I think we all enjoyed this climb and felt that it had a good degree of character and after the horrors of the Chimney, which we’d just done; it maybe seemed easier than it actually was.

Note the ratings are :-

1. Where’s the slope?
2. No problem
3. Big ring
4. Spinning a gear
5. It’s a difficult one (a homage to Sean Kelly)
6. Light up all the boilers!
7. Handlebar snapper
8. Licking the front wheel
9. Dinner plate required
10. Fetch a nurse!