Anyone who says bicycle climbing in the UK in the UK will immediately mention Box Hill. This decisive climb in the 2012 Olympic road race and the Prudential London Ride, among others, is undoubtedly one of the most famous bicycle climbs in the UK. But there are many other lesser-known climbs in the area that are stunning in their own right. Unique challenges, unique views and perhaps even tougher than the climb south of London. In this article, we compare Box Hill with five other lesser-known cycle climbs in the UK.
Read also:
- Surrey: the cycling area south of London
- Peak hunting: cycling in the Peak District
- LEJOG is a challenge like no other
Preparation
When cycling in the UK, it's useful to think about where you want to go. The island is quite large and while you can get to a lot in a few days, choosing an area is handy. Think the Lake District, Peak District, Scotland, Wales or southern England. Also bear in mind that the roads in the UK may be slightly different from what you are used to. Also, people drive on the left in the UK and you really need to take the weather into account. So if you are going cycling in the UK then you will need a good packing list. Also plan your trip with hotels in advance
5 alternative climbs to Box Hill
Ditchling Beacon
Ditchling Beacon, located in Sussex, is a popular climb among road cyclists. The sign at the start of the climb saying 'beware, 10%' should be an indication. The average stays just below that, but the climb does have a maximum gradient of up to 16%! Again, you can look out over the Sussex hills here at the top. Although not as famous as Box Hill, Ditchling Beacon is a beautiful climb in its own right.
Holme Moss
The Peak District, one of the most beautiful areas of England, if only because of its name. Peak hunting, in the Peak District, and you automatically stumble upon Holme Moss, a challenging climb with gradients of up to 14%. The climb offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and features regularly in the Tour of Yorkshire. Surely that's a degree. At 4.7 kilometres and an average of seven per cent, it was in the Tour de France and thus in the TdY for a reason.
The Cat and Fiddle
The Cat and Fiddle, located in the Peak District, is a popular climb for cyclists. The climb has gradients of up to 10% and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. At ten kilometres long and climbing a total of 333 metres, it is not the steepest climb in the world, but the length and the views make up for a lot! And mind you, the wind makes a big difference here. If you're up against it, you'll be puffing and groaning on your bike. Got it with you...you get the idea.
The Lecht
There is almost no more rugged area than the Scottish Highlands. We would love to go cycling again in this beautiful region. While you're there, you'll encounter a challenging climb with 'The Lecht, where you'll have to put on the right gear. On the counter, gradients reach 20%. The climb offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular destination for road cyclists, gravel riders and mountain bikers. The climb is just over four kilometres long and averages about six per cent ascent.
Gospel Pass
Whether seeing the name already makes you cry out for help from above, I don't know. You might get images of a swinging gospel choir in your head. That might just get you in the right cadence. Located in Wales, Gospel Pass is a challenging climb with gradients of up to 12%. The climb offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape and is a popular destination for road cyclists.
If you go cycling in the UK, we can definitely recommend one of these lesser-known climbs. Whether you're a road cyclist or a gravel biker, you can go all out here. See here a nice round-up of what you can do to climb this pass.
Hotels and accommodation
Book your trip in advance and you'll never go wrong. Check below to see if you can find your ideal location. We will have more tips and tricks available for you soon.
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