Hayfield may not be the most popular trailhead for Peak District epics – Ladybower and Edale lure the most riders – but racing legend Nick Craig’s cloverleaf route showcases all the best trails on his hometurf.
The first loop around Lantern Pike is a great warm-up, with mellow gradients and few technical challenges.
With that out of the way, the next circuit turns up the heat with a steep, rutted, climb up to New Allotments. The descent is more than ample reward, beginning with a blurry streak across open grassland, before becoming steadily more precipitous down Foxholes Clough.
As good as this is, the best has been saved until last, with a fantastic descent down Elle Bank, a legendary climb passed Kinder Reservoir and the classic challenge of Middle Moor to finish things off.