National Cycle Route 70

National Cycle Route 70 cycling route overview

National Cycle Route 70 is a long asphalt point-to-point ride in GB, covering 315 km with 2101 m of elevation gain. On paper, that ratio suggests a route that is not defined by constant climbing from start to finish. The more useful reading is different: the climbing is likely to arrive in decisive blocks, because the route includes a serious list of named passes.

That is the central character of this ride. It is not just a long-distance roll on asphalt. It is an endurance route where pacing and logistics matter, then the terrain asks repeated questions at Wrynose Pass, Kirkstone Pass, Hardknott Pass, Honister Pass, Dunmail Raise, Buttertubs Pass, Killhope Cross, and Whinlatter Pass.

Terrain and ride feel

The surface is asphalt, which makes bike choice relatively straightforward. A road bike or fast all-road setup makes sense, with gearing chosen for control rather than ego. The total /glossary/elevation-gain is 2101 m, but the named climbs are the warning label. A route can have a manageable total climbing number and still feel severe if the harder ramps are concentrated into short, irregular sections.

The practical implication is that the route should not be paced like a flat 315 km endurance ride. The easier sections are where you protect energy, eat consistently, and avoid unnecessary surges. The passes are where the ride can unravel if you arrive over-geared, under-fuelled, or already riding above your sustainable effort.

Key climbs to respect

The notable climbs listed for National Cycle Route 70 are:

• Wrynose Pass
• Kirkstone Pass
• Hardknott Pass
• Honister Pass
• Dunmail Raise
• Buttertubs Pass
• Killhope Cross
• Whinlatter Pass

The important point is not just that these names appear. It is that a route with this many named passes rewards restraint. Treat each climb as part of a sequence, not as a standalone test. If riding with power, keep the early climbs below the effort you would be happy to repeat later. If riding by feel, the correct intensity is one where you can still settle quickly once the road eases.

Logistics and pacing notes

Because National Cycle Route 70 is not a loop, transport planning is part of the ride, not an afterthought. A point-to-point route can be more rewarding, but it removes the simplicity of returning to the start by bike unless you add extra distance outside the route.

For most riders, the 315 km distance makes this a staged ride rather than a casual single outing. The asphalt surface lowers the technical barrier, but the combination of distance, cumulative climbing, and repeated passes means fatigue will build in layers. Plan stops before they become necessary, keep fuel accessible, and assume that weather and exposure on the passes could change the feel of the route quickly.

Who it suits

National Cycle Route 70 suits riders who enjoy long-distance structure with meaningful climbing interruptions. It is not a pure climber's route by total elevation alone, and it is not a simple endurance cruise either. Its difficulty comes from the way a long asphalt route is punctuated by a concentrated list of well-known passes. Ride it patiently, gear it sensibly, and the route becomes a measured endurance challenge rather than a survival exercise.