Reach Stang Top and you may park one wheel in Yorkshire and one wheel in Durham. Look west over the summit and your horizon is Cumbria. The Stang is one of Yorkshire’s northernmost climbs and aptly placed in our Borderlands route. What's more, it’s a Struggle to climb!
Easy Side?
The Stang can be ridden from both sides. The Langthwaite (south to north) side is the most notorious; known for its steep start and pitches of 16%.
Thankfully we’re taking The Stang on from the Thwaite side (north to south), which is slightly more forgiving and a kinder first ascent of the Borderlands 2026 route.
That said, our ascent will be longer; 5km compared to 3.8km on the other side. The average gradient is a steadier 5.6% with the gradient kicking up to 11%.
Ask The Expert
Our go-to cycling climbs guru, and author of 100 Cycling Climbs Guide Books, Simon Warren said: “Unlike the southern side which is totally exposed, the enveloping forest on the north flanks offer some protection from any wind so you can just concentrate on the slope battering your legs.”
Hairpin Hell
The most memorable moment on this climb will be your battle with the Park Rash-esque chicane. This sharp hairpin bend will have you out of the saddle and pulling on the bars. It’s early into the ride to be fighting the bike, but the steep switchback will be your morning wake-up call.
Simon said: “The varying but always tough gradient comes to a peak through the series of tight bends that hit max gradients at their apex and deliver you to the plateau and the summit at the border with Yorkshire.”
Dales Gateway
As you crest the summit and ride over Stang Top be sure to stop chewing on your handlebars and enjoy your first real experience of the panoramic views of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. You'll soar back down into God's Own Country with breathtaking views; there’s plenty more stunning scenery in store throughout the rest of the Borderlands route.
Descend with care as you reach the T-junction which marks the bottom. It’s then a right turn onto Tan Hill road as you start climb number two of Tan Hill straight away…
"The north face of the Stang is longer and gains more elevation, but with an average gradient of just 5% it is a slightly easier prospect on the morning of Borderlands than the Yorkshire side," says Simon.
ENTER STRUGGLE BORDERLANDS
Fancy taking on The Stang? Join us on Saturday 12th September for Borderlands. There’s 100km and 200km routes to choose from. Camping and caravan pitches are available to book.
Why not make it a weekender and join us for Borderlands Gravel on Sunday 13th September.
You can grab a copy of 100 Yorkshire Climbs featuring The Slang at www.100climbs.co.uk