đŒ Spring Forward All Year Round
A Staffordshire Cycling Challenge Thatâs Ready Whenever You Are
Earlier this year, our popular Spring Forward ride returned with a brand-new twist. The 2025 edition saw us sneak over the border into Derbyshire, explore fresh terrain, and introduce our RideStaffs Regulars to some new climbs in whatâs become our traditional early-season leg-stretcher.
The verdict? You loved it.
With overwhelmingly positive feedback from riders, weâve decided itâs too good to keep for just one day a year. So, as we wind down the 2025 season and begin plotting tweaks for 2026, weâre sharing the route here for you to enjoy any time you like.
Because while the event rolls out in spring, the challengeâand the viewsâare available all year round.
đŽââïž The Route at a Glance
- Distance: 93 km
- Elevation Gain: 1,158 m
- Start/Finish: Tutbury, East Staffordshire
- Ride Type: Road | Hilly | Loop
- Route Link: View on RideWithGPS
To make the ride more accessible throughout the year, weâve moved the start/finish down the road from our event HQ in Hanbury to the beautiful and historic town of Tutbury. With cafĂ©s, parking, and a train station, itâs the perfect launchpad for a proper Staffordshire cycling challenge.
đ§ Route Highlights
đ© Rollout from Tutbury
Youâll start by following the River Dove valley, passing the grand frontage of Sudbury Hall (National Trust) and winding into Doveridge on fast, flowing roads. Itâs a calm startâideal for warming the legs before the real climbing begins.
â°ïž First Big Test: Stanton Hill
The first real effort comes just after 20 km, with a stiff climb out of Ellastone. Stanton Hill winds upward alongside the Northwood Brook before a sharp left kick takes you to the ridge above Stanton, passing a charming church near the summit.
𧱠Welcome to Peak District Fringe
The scenery shifts dramaticallyâdry stone walls, rugged fields, and wide skies tell you youâre on the edge of the Peak District. A winding descent into Waterhouses is followed immediately by the climb past Cauldon Quarry, one of the toughest pulls of the day. But the views at the top? Absolutely worth it.
From there, itâs a descent through Foxt and down into Froghall. Take care on this sectionâthe tarmac is a little tired in places.
đŸ Return to Staffordshire
The route then rolls back into Staffordshire, trading long climbs for short, sharp ones hidden among hedged country lanes. These quieter roads keep the pressure on while giving you a bit of shelterâespecially if the windâs up.
At 50 km, youâll hit Quarry Bank, a punchy effort made worthwhile by sweeping views down toward Croxden Abbey. Youâll also pass The Raddle Inn, a cracking little pub perfectly placed halfway up the climb.
𧱠Final Three Kicks
Youâll descend into Uttoxeter for a short breatherâbecause the final 30 km are far from easy. One after the other, youâll face:
- Balance Hill â Long and straight
- Marchington Cliff â Steep and sharp
- Jacksonâs Bank â The final kicker
With 60+ km in your legs, these last climbs make for a proper finale. The final 5 km offer some welcome respite with gentle, mostly downhill lanes leading back into Tutbury.
đ Getting There
By Car:
Tutbury is just off the A50, easily accessible from the M6, M1, and surrounding counties.
By Train:
We always encourage the low-carbon option. Tutbury & Hatton Station is directly served by trains from Stoke-on-Trent and Nottingham.
â Where to Stop Along the Way
Tutbury
- Castle Café
- Willows Tea Room
Both are centrally located, friendly, and great for a pre-ride coffee or post-ride cake.
đ żïž Parking: Duke Street Car Park or Cornmill Lane (height restrictions apply).
Waterhouses (30 km)
- Manifold Valley Cycle Hire & Café
Perfect after your first major climbâbike-friendly, scenic, and right on the route.
Froghall (40 km)
- Hettyâs Tea Shop
A local favourite tucked beside the canal and ideal for a mid-ride breather.
The Raddle (50 km)
- The Raddle Inn
Halfway up Quarry Bank with pub grub and views over the Staffordshire countryside.
Uttoxeter (65 km)
- BEAR Uttoxeter
A long-time RideStaffs favouriteâtop coffee, cake, and cyclist-friendly vibes.
đŻ Ready to Ride?
This isnât just a loopâitâs a Staffordshire challenge route that gives back every time you ride it. Itâs the sort of route that leaves your legs tired, your spirits lifted, and your mind planning when you can do it again.
đČ Download the route on RideWithGPS
đž Tag us in your ride photos: @ridestaffs #RideStaffs
