We arrive at the top of High Cup Nick in the North Pennines. “It’s like the world starts just over there,” comments my friend Mark. He’s pointing down the U-shaped chasm of High Cup Gill, beyond whose

4 38.9km / 24.2 miles / 12-14 hours Ascent 2927m/9603ft

6 20.6km / 12.8 miles / 7-7.5 hours Ascent 1122m/3680ft

3 6.3km/3.9 miles/3-4 hours Ascent 760m/2493ft

For any cyclist, the name Fred Whitton sends a shiver down the spine. The annual Fred Whitton Challenge is among the most notorious sportives in Britain, serving its 2,000 participants with 180km of d

5 15.6 km / 9.7 miles / 6 hours Ascent 1080m/3543ft