Steeps › Famous cycling climbs in the UK
Famous cycling climbs in the UK
The UK's steepest roads are also its most famous cycling climbs. Here are the lengths and gradients our sources give, and what to expect.
Short and brutal
- Vale Street, Bristol: about 100 metres, average 22.9%, maximum 25.6% (BikeRadar).
- Ffordd Pen Llech, Harlech: 335 m, average 20%, maximum 28.6%.
- Bamford Clough, Peak District: 664 m, average 21%, maximum 36.5%.
- Afon Ddu, Conwy Valley: 691 m, average 22%, maximum 34.5%.
Medium length
- Trooper Lane, Halifax: 769 m, average 14.8%, maximum 27.7%.
- Rosedale Chimney: 1,340 m, average 14%, maximum 33%. See the page.
- Hardknott Pass: 2,203 m, average 13%, maximum 33%. See the page.
Long climbs
- Bealach na Bà: about 6 km, climbing 630 metres, with an average around 7% and a maximum of about 20%.
- Great Dun Fell: 7.45 km at an average of 7.7%, according to Road Cycling UK.
- Porlock Hill: 725 feet in under a mile; Countryfile gives 9.3% average, 25% maximum. It is listed among the 100 greatest cycling climbs in the UK on Wikipedia. Cyclists are advised to dismount on the descent.
Winnats Pass
West of Castleton in the Peak District, its maximum gradient is over 28%. Buses, coaches and vehicles over 7.5 tonnes are barred. See England for more.
How to read the numbers
A short climb with a very high average, such as Vale Street, is a sprint effort. A long climb with a modest average, such as the Bealach na Bà, is a test of pacing. The maximum gradient is the figure that decides whether you need to walk: on 30% plus stretches you need gearing well below ordinary road gears. Use our measuring guide to see why published numbers differ.
Tips
- Check your gearing before you go; a compact or lower is a good idea on 30% climbs.
- Descents on wet, steep roads are the dangerous part. Brake early and keep your hands relaxed.
- Share the road: Hardknott and Bealach na Bà are single track with passing places.
- Check weather and winter closures.
Choosing a first steep climb
If you are new to steep hills, start with a long gentle one, like Great Dun Fell, and work up. Short, very steep ones, such as Vale Street, can be done as a one-off effort with a rest after. Avoid trying 30% climbs in wet weather, because tyres may lose grip. Wear a helmet, carry spares, and tell someone where you are going when you ride remote passes like Hardknott or the Bealach na Bà. On cobbled streets such as Steep Hill in Lincoln, Countryfile recommends going on foot.
Frequently asked questions
What is the hardest climb in the UK?
There is no official answer. Bamford Clough has the highest maximum on BikeRadar's list at 36.5%, and Hardknott is the longest of the steepest group.
Which UK climb is longest?
Of those listed here, Great Dun Fell at 7.45 km and Bealach na Bà at about 6 km.
What gears do I need?
A compact chainset and a wide-range cassette help on 30% climbs.