Porlock Hill - Exmoor (Cat 2)
Porlock Hill in Exmoor is a titan among Britain's steepest roads, challenging even the most seasoned sportive riders.
The southwest is home to some of Britain's steepest roads. There were a few we could have chosen here, with Haytor being the other strong contender.
But we chose Porlock Hill because of its pure steepness. Dubbed the steepest A road in the UK, it climbs up onto Exmoor from the coastal village of Porlock. It has some epic views too.
Climb profile
Overall, Porlock Hill is 3.94km long with an elevation gain of 366m. How steep is Porlock Hill? Well the average gradient is 9.3%. But don't let that fool you. As with most climbs in the UK the gradient is rarely constant. In the early sections of the climb, you'll tackle a maximum gradient of up to 23.5% gradient.
Your legs are full of lactate right away. If you can hold on, the climb will eventually flatten out near the top giving you wonderful views of the channel and the coast. Porlock Hill requires some real effort just to make it to the top.
Going for the K/QOM?
The KOM is currently held by Andrew Feather at a time of 12:52, with an average power of 422w. The QOM is currently held by Lilli Gardner at a time of 14:59 with an average power of 262W.
Ffordd Penllech (Harlech) - Wales
Ffordd Penllech (Harlech) was once considered the steepest street in the world. Making it an epic climb to attempt to cycle up.
A Wall of a Climb
This climb is a wall. There's no other description for it. The steepest sections are towards the bottom however this climb rarely relents. A bonus is its length. It's a relatively short effort, but the real challenge is just to keep moving!
It's 330 metres long with an elevation gain of 54 metres. It has an average gradient of 16.1% with pitches of up to 40%.
Going for the K/QOM?
Chasing records on Britain's steepest road? The KOM of the proclaimed steepest hill in the world is currently held by Callum Brown in a time of 51 seconds, with an average power of 1,012w. The QOM is currently held by Jess Evans at a time of 1:45 with an average power of 361W.
Hardknott Pass - Lake District (Cat 3)
Hardknott Pass in the Lake District epitomises the challenge of Lake District cycling with its notorious steep gradients, made even more tricky by rough surfaces.
It's home to arguably the country's most famous sportive - the Fred Whitton. The Fred Whitton has been compared in difficulty to some of Europe's toughest loops, like the Marmotte.
The Infamous Climb
Hardknott Pass is perhaps the most infamous climb on the loop. It's 2.6km long with an elevation gain of 315 metres. Hardknott Pass gradient? It has an average gradient of 12.1% but frequent ramps over 20%. This one is a real knee wobbler.
Check out our article on 5 UK cycling staycations, where unsurprisingly, the Lake District with Hardknott and Wrynose Pass takes centre stage as a paradise for those who relish steep challenges.
Going for the K/QOM?
The KOM on Hardknott Pass is held by Andrew Feather at a time of 9:15, with an average power of 461w. The QOM is currently held by Mary Wilkinson at a time of 14:03.
Cheddar Gorge - Somerset (Cat 4)
Cheddar Gorge in Somerset has long been a magnet for cyclists, known affectionately as 'the Gorge' by locals and revered as a premier cycling destination in the south.
It's a climb of two halves, which makes pacing tough. The first half is brutally steep however it does flatten off in the second half.
The Climb
In total, the climb is 3.66km in length with an elevation gain of 153 metres. The average gradient is just 4.1%. However, this climb kicks up at the beginning with a maximum gradient of an eye-watering 35.5%, making it one of the steepest roads in England.
Going for the K/QOM?
The KOM is currently held by José Neves at a time of 7:18, with an average power of 394w. An effort expended during the 2018 Tour of Britain. The QOM is currently held by Nicole Coates at a time of 8:46 with an average power of 264W.
Cairn O'Mount - Scotland (Cat 3)
Cairn O’Mount in Scotland poses a question: Is this the steepest road in Scotland? While Bealach na Bà often captures headlines as one of the few category 1 road climbs in the United Kingdom (largely due to its length of 9.32km), Cairn O'Mount presents a steeper challenge.
This climb may not have the length of some of Scotland's giants but it compensates with its severity. We've selected it over others for its daunting gradients and thrilling ascent.
Climb details
Cairn O'Mount from the south side is 3.35km with an elevation gain of 319 metres. It has an average gradient of 9.5%. However this climb starts shallower and steepens towards the top. With sections up towards 20%.
The gradient is rarely constant. And this makes it a really difficult climb to pace your effort. You need to save some energy in the early sections because the last kilometre is the hardest. A truly steep hill.
Going for the K/QOM?
The KOM is currently held by Jacob Smith at a time of 11:03. The QOM is currently held by Kirsten Halliday at a time of 13:40 with an average power of 243W.
Ditchling Beacon - Sussex (Cat 4)
Ditchling Beacon in Sussex might make you think you've been transported to the rolling hills of the French countryside. However, Sussex holds its own with challenging climbs, and Ditchling Beacon is a prominent feature on the popular London to Brighton cycle route.
The climb is 1.46km long with an elevation gain of 139m. It has an average gradient of 9.4% with sections that exceed 15%.
Going for the K/QOM?
Are you ready to take on one of England's steepest roads? The KOM is currently held by Thomas Gloag at a time of 3:52, with an average power of 515w. The QOM is currently held by Maryka Sennema at a time of 4:57 with an average power of 311W.
How to ride steep climbs?
Ready to take on these steep climbs? Here are some tips for managing steep gradients:
- Steep climbs demand a different strategy compared to long climbs. On longer ascents, you might find a rhythm and stay seated.
- On a steep road, you’ll need to be more aggressive. Don’t hesitate to stand up, letting your weight help drive the pedals down. It’s okay to sway side to side to maintain momentum, but keep your upper body relaxed.
- If the gradient feels overwhelming, weave sideways across the road to ease the incline—just remember to stay on your side and ensure it's safe to do so.Craving more heights? Check out these 4 unmissable routes to ride in Yorkshire - featuring some of the steepest climbs in the county.
Hitting the road without bicycle insurance?
For extra peace of mind when tackling the steepest roads in the UK or enjoying a fast descent, check out Laka's specialist road bike insurance, perfect for both home and abroad.