We’ve counted down the top 5 hardest cycling climbs in the UK but what about the hardest climbs in each region of the country? So here we go, we’ve ranked the UK’s hardest cycling climbs by region according to their length and average and maximum gradients. Have you tackled the toughest climb in your region?
Scotland
Bealach Na Ba
On the west coast of Scotland, Bealach na Bà has the most elevation gain of any road climb in the UK, rising from sea level to 626m over a stretch of 9.2km. Not only is the average gradient 7% but sections of the climb almost reach 20%.
Region: Scotland
Length: 9.2km
Average gradient: 7%
Elevation: 626m
Strava: https://www.strava.com/segments/6671117?hl=en-GB
Northern Ireland
Benbradagh Climb
Located in Northern Ireland, the Benbradagh Climb is 2km in length with an elevation gain of 254m. The climbs average gradient is 13% with the gradient surpassing 15% at the steepest part.
Region: Northern Ireland
Length: 2km
Average gradient: 13%
Elevation: 254m
Strava: https://www.strava.com/segments/4310646?hl=en-GB
North East
Chapel Fell
A tough climb in the North East, Chapel Fell will take you through average gradients of 8.3% along 4km with a total elevation gain of 327m.
Region: North East
Length: 4km
Average gradient: 8.3%
Elevation: 327m
Strava: https://www.strava.com/segments/6678141
North West
Hardknott Pass
Situated between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley in the Lake District, Hardknott Pass is the steepest road in England with gradients up to 33%.
Region: North West
Length: 2.2km
Average gradient: 13.3%
Elevation: 298m
Strava: https://www.strava.com/segments/6677392?hl=en-GB
Yorkshire and the Humber
Rosedale Chimney
Found in the village of Rosedale Abbey in the North York Moors, Rosedale Chimney has an elevation of 183m, 1.34km in length and its gradient peaks at 30%.
Region: Yorkshire and the Humber
Length: 1.34km
Average gradient: 14%
Elevation: 183m
Strava: https://www.strava.com/segments/6690945?hl=en-GB
East Midlands
Winnats Pass
It’s no surprise to see Winnats Pass on this list, a tough climb in the Peak District that takes you through a limestone cleft. With an average gradient of 11.4% over 1.8km and sections reaching 20% it's a popular choice for cyclists looking for a challenge.
Region: East Midlands
Length: 1.8km
Average gradient: 11.4%
Elevation: 209m
Strava: https://www.strava.com/segments/6698034
Wales
Bwlch Y Groes
Found on the edge of northern Snowdonia, Bwlch Y Groes is 2.63km long, with a maximum gradient of 20% and average gradient of 12%.
Region: Wales
Length: 2.63km
Average gradient: 14%
Elevation: 356m
Strava: https://www.strava.com/segments/1147400?hl=en-GB
East Anglia
Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill, one of the longer climbs in Norfolk but less steep than those on this list, with an average gradient of 5% and elevation gain of 65m.
Region: East Anglia
Length: 1.3km
Average gradient: 5%
Elevation: 65m
Strava: https://www.strava.com/segments/16298393
West Midlands
Asterton Bank
A short but sharp climb in the west midlands, Asterton Bank is punchy with an average gradient of 17% and a maximum gradient of 22% across 1km.
Region: West Midlands
Length: 1km
Average gradient: 17.1%
Elevation: 172m
Strava: https://www.strava.com/segments/739488
London
Swains Lane
Arguably the toughest climb in London, Swain’s Lane maximum gradient is 20% and averages 8% over 921 metres. Found in central London the climb is located in the hills of Highgate Village.
Region: London
Length: 921m
Average gradient: 7.3%
Elevation: 68m
Strava: https://www.strava.com/segments/6691038
South West
Dunkery Beacon
Dunkery Beacon is one of the toughest climbs in the south west of England with 321m of climbing over 3.1km. It starts from the village of Porlock and climbs an average of 10% gradient towards the top of Exmoor.
Region: South West
Length: 3.1km
Average gradient: 10%
Elevation: 321m
Strava: https://www.strava.com/segments/6665334
South East
White Down
Close to Box Hill, White Down is located in the South East of England in Surrey. The 1.97km climb sees an elevation of 116m and an average gradient of 6%.
Region: South East
Length: 1.97km
Average gradient: 6%
Elevation: 116m
Strava: https://www.strava.com/segments/6691301
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