Global Sports: Britain's 10 best cycling descents

Friday, October 28, 2011

Britain's 10 best cycling descents

By Lars Johnson


A new survey of members of the public has revealed the nation's favourite downhill cycle routes. The survey was carried out by British Cycling and Sky Ride, and was supported by Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy.

A panel of judges helped to come up with the final top ten, basing the list on factors such as scenery, historical interest and the personal significance of each hill to the person who recommended it. Here are the results:

Surrey's Newlands Corner clinched the top spot, with judges citing its excellent views of the stars and the fact that all ability levels can ride there.

Holme Moss in Yorkshire, where the descent is rather more intense and follows one of the country's most notorious hill climbs, came second.

Silver Street in Lyme Regis came third. This winding descent, situated in the heart of a Dorset seaside town, is punctuated by picture-postcard cottages, local boutiques, and resplendent wild flowers, whilst the views of the English Channel are spectacular.

In fourth place was Arthurs Seat, Edinburgh. This descent, situated on an extinct volcano that dates back over 2 million years, impressed judges for the challenge it presents to cyclists, as well as its incredible views and its geological significance.

One of England's most remote cycling hills, Blackstone Edge in West Yorkshire came in fifth. This descent covers 6 miles across the longest unbroken stretch of hill in the country, starting 470m above sea level and overlooking scenic villages, farms and reservoirs.

Scotland's Rest and Be Thankful, which gets its name from an inscription carved by the Romans, was sixth. Judges cited the spectacular views of the Scottish Highlands and the sense of achievement when cyclists reach the summit as reasons for its inclusion. The descent is around 4km long.

The lush and historic Cheddar Gorge in Somerset made it into seventh place.

Following closely behind was Hampshire's Old Winchester Hill. Situated in the heart of a South Downs nature reserve, there is an Iron Age fort at the top and the views of the Isle of Wight are excellent.

In ninth place was Ham Common, a gentle descent into London's Richmond Park where cyclists can enjoy verdant scenery and take in wildlife such as deer whilst being surrounded by the urban landscape of the capital.

Finally, in tenth place - Ralph Allen Drive, heading into the historic city of Bath, where cyclists can expect panoramic vistas of the city and surrounding countryside.




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