Standing at the front of the Pavilion Gardens look left and you will see Manchester Road the A5004 (Long Hill). Unfortunately the name is correct and the start of this route is uphill however you are rewarded by some superb descents later in the ride.
Head up the A5004 passing the University on your right hand side. The start of this hill is steep but the gradient eases further on. As you head up Long Hill you will climb away from the houses. If possible look left to see a good view of Buxton as you head away from it.
At the top of Long Hill take the left turn on to Goyt’s Lane (Signposted Goyt Valley). This takes you on to a single track road and leads to a steep descent (please be careful) down into the valley. As you head down you will see Errwood Reservoir and the road takes you past the Reservoir on your left hand side.
At the T junction head left keeping the reservoir on your left hand side.
This will take you up one of the most beautiful climbs in the Peaks. As you head up past the Reservoir the road turns into a voluntary one way, you are headed in the correct direction, however please take care as it is only voluntary. This road snakes up the valley following the tributaries feeding the reservoir. If you have the opportunity anywhere along here is a great place for a picnic.
At the top of the climb go over a cattle grid and turn right.
Please follow this road for approx 300yds and take your first left turn. This road winds up to join the Cat and Fiddle road the A537. At the junction with the Cat and Fiddle A537 turn left and climb the final few hundred yds to the summit.
After the summit you will head straight down a winding descent towards Buxton (please take care on the descent).
At the next T junction turn left on to the A53 Leek Rd.
Head straight through the traffic lights and keep descending staying on the A53 until you reach the start point of the route the Pavilion Gardens.
