NORTH WEST LAKE DISTRICT

Leaving Coniston, your warm- up lasts about 5km before you veer off the A593 to tackle the Old Rake, before plunging into Broughton Mills to take on the southern flank of Kiln Bank Cross.

Next, you’re treated to possibly the most beautiful road in the Lakes, Birker Fell, with its views over the peaks in the distance. The descent the other side is rapid into Eskdale, where you begin the approach to the twin perils that await. The double whammy of Hardknott and Wrynose is well known in cycling, packed with 25 and 33 per cent gradients. After these, you head north to climb more 25 per cent gradient past Blea Tarn, then through Great Langdale to take on Red Bank. You’ll be begging for mercy, but it’s not over: there’s still The Struggle up to the Kirkstone Inn where you turn right, head back to Ambleside then cross Hawkshead Hill to finish in Coniston.

You’ll gulp as you pass the 33 per cent gradient sign. A Herculean effort is needed to tackle this monster