The Big Bikepacking Bash

The Big Bikepacking Bash

The Big Bikepacking Bash is a multi-day, self-supported, adventure along 220km of ancient packhorse trails, historic bridleways and quiet country lanes. With over 6,300 metres of ascent, it passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the Dark Peak and South Pennine regions.

A non-competitive, individual time-trial event, the BBB is accessible to anyone with a suitable gravel or mountain bike. Whether riding solo, in pairs or as group, you can choose your own start time between 18:00hrs on the Friday night and 10:00hrs on the Saturday morning. There’s even a category for Electric Mountain Bikes too, but remember you will have to plan for suitable charging facilities along the route.

Once you cross the start-line, it’s up to you how far you ride each day and where you choose to sleep. The more adventurous amongst you may decide to bivvy in the woods, wild camp on the moors or sleep in bus stops. Whilst those who prefer a little more comfort, may plan to book accommodation along the route.

Two weeks before the ride you will be sent a GPX file of the route, a written route summary and compulsory kit list. Upon your return, there will be a big welcome along with free hot drinks and a range of tasty snacks. There will also be drinks and food available to purchase in the pub during serving hours.

This is a completely self-supported event, therefore, you will have to rely on your own skills, fitness and ability to complete the route. If you get into difficulty, have a mechanical breakdown or can’t complete the ride you must be able to look after yourself and your bike, and it is your responsibility to get yourself home safely. The route is not way-marked, and there will be no Marshalls or support vehicles along the route.

Date: September 2025 – Exact date TBC

Venue: The Cross Keys Inn, Running Hill Gate, Uppermill, OL3 6LW

Start time: Between 6:00pm on Friday night and 10:00am on Saturday morning

Duration: All riders must return by 6:00PM on Sunday evening

Compulsory kit List

  • A suitable, road legal, gravel or mountain bike
  • Suitable clothing for the weather conditions, including full waterproof body cover with taped seems.
  • A suitable, approved cycle helmet.
  • Bike computer with GPX route downloaded (Garmin or Wahoo etc).
  • A fully charged mobile phone.
  • Suitable means of charging phone and bike computer.
  • Ordnance Survey OL1: The Dark Peak and OL21: South Pennines maps or suitable equivalent, such as ‘Harvey’s’, for example, which covers the whole route.
  • Suitable tools and spare parts, including inner tubes and or tubeless tyre repair kit.
  • Enough food and water to get yourself between planned resupply points.
  • Spare food, in sealed bag, for emergency use only.
  • A suitable sleep system; the minimum being an emergency survival bag or bothy-style shelter. (No foil blankets or foil bags).
  • A suitable first aid kit.

The Scales of Truth

Have your fully loaded bike weighed for a chance to win some spot prizes. Will you be honoured with having the lightest bike or will your featherlight aspirations be found wanting by the scales of truth?