Information on The Cragg Vale Incline
Attraction type:
Interests
- Adventure & Leisure
- Cycling & Mountain Biking
- Disabled Access
- Family
- Pet friendly
- Sport & Leisure
- Walking Friendly
The B6138 Cragg Road is located in Mytholmroyd, off the A646 Burnley Road and passes up through the village of Cragg Vale to the moorlands above.
It is arguably the longest continuous ascent in England, climbing 968 feet over 5.5 miles.
With an average gradient of 3%, the Cragg Vale Incline isn’t particularly steep, but it is a long drag and a presents a power climb challenge for cyclists.
In July 2014 the incline was part of the route of the 2014 Tour de France. Amongst the ‘Grand Depart’ celebrations a team of 18 cyclists towed a baby grand piano up the incline, on a custom-made PianoPorté, invented by sculptor Andy Plant. The team was cheered on by thousands of locals and tourists with live piano concertos played by 15 on-board pianists to encourage their pedalling. Quite a sight!
The Cragg Vale Incline has since featured in various editions of the Tour de Yorkshire.
The Calderdale Way crosses the Cragg Vale Incline at Church Bank Lane