London’s 5 best biking hill-climb hotspots
Forget the flat, it’s time to put an incline into your ride. Here’s where to hit new heights in your training
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.London is hardly the Alps or Pyrenees - and barely even the Lake District or Yorkshire Dales - but that doesn’t make it a bad place for cycling. There are still a handful of hills on which to hone your climbing skills.
Here are the city’s five best training climbs.
1. Swains Lane, Highgate
A tight, walled-in road splitting Highgate Cemetery on the left and Waterlow Park on the right, Swains Lane is arguably the toughest and most famous cycle climb in the capital.
It’s half a mile long, has an average gradient of 8 per cent and a maximum gradient of 20 per cent, which is seriously steep, even for professionals.
A handful of hill repeats on here will get you in good shape.
2. Alexandra Palace Way
The road leading up to Ally Pally from the south (past the garden centre) averages only 5 per cent over its 0.6-mile distance, but that is still plenty enough to build lactic acid in your legs and leave you out of breath.
It’s also good for training because the road is predominantly used only for access to the palace, which means it’s relatively quiet.
3. Broomfield Hill, Richmond Park
The first of two Richmond Park climbs on this list, Broomfield Hill is 0.6 miles long and is guaranteed to have you gasping for air at the top.
Starting from the Robin Hood Gate in a clockwise direction around the park, the first 400 yards are relatively gentle but have the effect of sapping your legs ahead of a tough final 200 yards.
The road swings left and then right as it fights its way up the ever-steepening hill, eventually reaching maximum gradient of 12 per cent just before the top.
4. Dark Hill, Richmond Park
This climb starts at the Kingston Gate car park and ascends in an anti-clockwise direction for a third of a mile at an average gradient of 6 per cent.
Just like Broomfield Hill, the road is straight and gentle for the first half, but the second is comprised of a steep section, a short stretch of flat and then an even steeper second ramp to the top that reaches 12 per cent.
5. Canonbie Road, Forest Hill
Starting at the junction with Forest Hill Road, the short but sharp climb up Canonbie Road is a quarter of a mile long and averages 10 per cent in gradient, so it’s a significant challenge from start to finish.
The hardest part is a left-hand corner at roughly half distance, where a 14 per cent ramp awaits.
The London to Brighton Bike Ride is happening on Sunday 18 June. Take on the challenge and help beat heart disease. Sign up now at bhf.org.uk/l2b2017
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments