THE hugely popular Greatest Cycling Climbs series has covered some of the best ascents in Britain across Yorkshire, the south of England, Midlands and Wales.
Finally the book that bike fans this side of the Border have been long waiting for has arrived. Packed with 60 exhilarating uphill routes across Scotland, author Simon Warren shares some of his favourites.
Best for … stunning views
Glen Coe, Lochaber
One of the most beautiful and spectacular locations in the whole of Britain, you cannot fail to be in awe of your surroundings as you climb the Pass of Glen Coe.
It is so stunning that it is almost difficult to keep riding at times because you want to stop and take a photograph every five seconds. The higher you get, the more dramatic the views become.
If you look at any website advertising Scotland to the world, it says go to Glen Coe and there are few locations that are grander than this.
Best for … hidden gems
The Serpentine, Rothesay
When I first saw a photograph of this climb, I couldn’t quite believe it. As soon as was physically possible I planned a trip north, caught the ferry across to Bute, and raced to its base.
All cyclists love a hairpin bend and pretending that they are in the Alps riding the Tour de France. This little road up from the town of Rothesay zigzags left and right with 14 tight corners from base to summit. It is steep, hard and amazing fun to ride.
Best for … wildlife spotting
Bealach na Ba, Applecross, Ross and Cromarty
This is it: the Holy Grail. The toughest and wildest climb in Britain. Believe the hype – anything you have read or been told about this amazing road is true. I gave it 11/10.
Being up there in the early morning sun with the deer roaming around felt like a primeval experience and being at one with nature. I had set off at 5.30am and around halfway up saw a stag standing in the middle of the road looking right at me. That was a special moment.
As I got further up the climb and higher above the glen, I saw three or four deer and it reminded me of the scene in Jurassic Park where the dinosaurs were running over the hillside.
Best for … beginners
Mennock Pass, Dumfries and Galloway
The Mennock Pass climb begins from a pan-flat, wide valley floor and rises towards Wanlockhead, the highest village in Scotland. For beginners, it offers a gentle and steady gradient.
Because it is never gets too steep, it doesn’t feel like it gets on top of you as a rider. If you conquer this one, it will hopefully give the confidence and encouragement to go on and try some of the harder climbs.
Best for … experts
The Lecht, Aberdeenshire
A true monster of a climb through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, the road up to the Lecht Ski Centre is a simply stunning ride. The moment you catch sight of this climb, it takes your breath away.
The first part is really steep and you rise through some woods. You see the brow of the hill and hope that might offer relief as by this stage your legs are already burning.
But then the scenery opens up and you see this giant staircase climbing over the ridge ahead. It is open, exposed and incredibly steep. The Lecht is a proper 10/10 climb. Not for the faint-hearted.
Best for … seclusion
Quinag, Ullapool, Sutherland
Sutherland makes the most remote parts of England look like a well-tended garden. It is utterly rugged, totally wild, and deathly quiet.
It also marked the northernmost point of my travels and the journey was certainly worth it. I was travelling with my dad who had been there in his youth to go birdwatching, but it was the first time in that part of the world for me.
It feels amazingly remote and far removed from everything down below. Everything is weather-beaten: the rocks seem rougher and the grass that little bit coarser. Being out in that environment makes you feel alive. Definitely one of my favourites.
Best for … bragging rights
Kenmore Hill, Perth and Kinross
This climb has everything. It is as savage as it is beautiful and as demanding as it is rewarding. Kenmore Hill begins with a bang, heading up 10 to 15 per cent slopes punctuated with wicked 20 per cent corners.
The day I rode it there was a very slight tailwind and with that in mind I gave it full gas. I currently have the quickest time to the top on cycling app Strava – the King of the Mountains – with 15min24sec.
Of course, now I’ve said that in print, every man and his dog will be out there trying to beat it.
Cycling Climbs of Scotland: A Road Cyclist’s Guide by Simon Warren is published by Frances Lincoln, priced £8.99
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