Try your hand at seven hills

The Bradwell Hill Billy - dubbed the Peak District’s Fred Whitton, due to its tough seven hill route and 2300m of ascent - attracts cyclists from all over the country each year, looking for a day of hardcore cycling in beautiful countryside.

Entries have opened for the June 26 event which is in its third year and is expected to attract 200 cyclists to the Hope Valley village of Bradwell.

The event was first organised in 2014 to raise money for the financially struggling Bradwell Village Pre School and immediately established itself as one of the most challenging in the Cycle Sportive calendar.

Laura Mannion, Event Organiser, said: “We know that the Bradwell Hill Billy is one of the toughest sportive routes in the UK, and we’re proud of that.

“We’re also very proud of our village hospitality. Your legs may be ready to drop off by the end but we make it up to you with free soup and homemade cake and flapjack as you finish - if that’s any consolation!

“Whether you’re an old hand at hardcore cycling, or you want to set yourself an ambitious target for your new 2016 fitness regime, get on the website and get registered.

“And you can also feel good knowing that your entry fee is helping to keep our beloved village pre-school running.”

Visit www.bradwellhillbilly.co.uk for more information about the event, or to register. For beginners, or those wishing to take things a little easier on the day, while still taking part, there is an optional five hill route.

Entrance costs £25 for the seven hill, and £22 for the five hill route.