April 24, 2025
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Destination: United Kingdom
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27 For 2027: Our Favourite UK Cycling Climbs
With the world’s biggest bike race leaving Edinburgh in 2027, the UK’s credentials as a biking destination are in the global spotlight for the first time since 2014.
At Active England Tours – your author and guide team included – have ridden across almost every patch of the UK. From brutal switchbacks in the Highlands of Scotland to picture-perfect climbs through the Cotswolds, Britain has something to tickle the fancy of most bike riders.
And so, as the excitement starts to build, we thought it was high time we created our bucket list of UK cycling climbs, and here they are in all their glory. 27 climbs across England, Scotland, and Wales.
Climbs are by their very nature tough – a challenge there to overcome, but this list isn’t about curating a list of the hardest hills in the UK. Some climbs we’ve chosen are simply scenic, and some are iconic and thus can’t be missed. But of course, some are savage. But ultimately, in our book, each climb on this list deserves its spot!
Cycling Climbs in the UK Map
1. Buttertubs Pass – Yorkshire Dales
A true Yorkshire icon, Buttertubs Pass links the market towns of Hawes and Muker, climbing out of Wensleydale and into the heart of the Dales. The climb earns its name from the limestone potholes near the summit, once used by farmers to cool butter.
From the Hawes side, the gradient kicks hard from the get-go, with ramps nudging 20% early on. It eases off near the top, giving riders a chance to take in the sweeping views over Swaledale. A must-do climb: tough, scenic, and steeped in Tour de France history after its inclusion in Stage 1 of the 2014 race.
- Distance: 1.38 miles
- Average gradient: 9.0%
- Elevation gain: 661ft
- Strava Segment
2. Fleet Moss – Yorkshire Dales
Not far away from our first climb is Fleet Moss – the highest paved road in Yorkshire. Leaving the quaint hamlet of Oughtershaw, the road climbs steadily across open moorland before rearing up with some viciously steep sections near the summit. On a still day, the remoteness is welcoming, but on a windy one, it’s an all-out battle. Like most roads in the UK these days, the road itself has a scarred, patchwork feel, making it an even sterner test.
Make it to the top, and you’ll have earned those jaw-dropping views across Wharfedale.
- Distance: 3.35 miles
- Average gradient: 5.9%
- Elevation gain: 1050ft
- Strava Segment
3. Trapping Hill – Nidderdale, Yorkshire
Known to locals as “Lofthouse,” Trapping Hill is short and savage. Beginning in the sleepy village of Lofthouse, the road immediately kicks upward with ramps over 20%, and it doesn’t ease up until you’re gasping at the top. Despite its short length, just over a kilometre, the steepness and lack of respite make it one of the UK’s leg-breakers.
- Distance: 1.96 miles
- Average gradient: 8.4%
- Elevation gain: 868ft
- Strava Segment
4. Park Rash – Yorkshire Dales
Park Rash is a fierce and fearsome climb that starts innocently enough in the picture-postcard village of Kettlewell, but don’t be lulled into a false sense of security. Within moments, the road kicks up savagely, and soon you’re wrestling with tight, twisting hairpins and gradients north of 20%. Once at the top, the Dales unfold before you in all their wild, wind-blown beauty.
- Distance: 1.35 miles
- Average gradient: 10.7%
- Elevation gain: 765ft
- Strava Segment
5. Dover’s Hill – Cotswolds
The first of a trio of climbs in this region, the Cotswolds offers cycling routes aplenty. Leaving the quaint village of Weston-Sub-Edge, a gentle drag is the first indication of the horrors that await. Rounding a couple of bends, the road veers straight upwards, averaging 10% for nearly a mile. The road is narrow, quiet and mostly covered by trees, but glance right as you climb and you’ll spot some lovely views through the branches.
Dover’s Hill isn’t just a playground for bikers – it’s hosted the British National Hill Climb Championships several times – but it’s also well-known as the location of the quirky Cotswold Olympiks – a forerunner to the modern-day Olympics. The event, which is held in May, marks the end of festival season in the nearby Chipping Campden.
Once you arrive at the summit of Dover’s Hill, press on and cycle into the Cotswolds proper or head back down the hill and try another climb – the nearby Saintbury hill is a favourite of ours.
- Distance: 1.07 miles
- Average gradient: 9.7%
- Elevation gain: 474ft
- Strava Segment
6. Snowshill – Cotswolds
Another Cotswold cycling classic. Snowshill is the climb which takes riders from the popular honey-pot village of Broadway, up the Cotswold escarpment to the small village which gives the climb its name.
Leaving Broadway, the terrain is fairly flat before the road punches upward through woodland. It’s postcard-perfect scenery as you pass Snowshill Manor, the past home of eccentric Charles Paget Wade, before arriving in a village which we’ve somewhat controversially awarded the prettiest in the Cotswolds.
- Distance: 2.50 miles
- Average gradient: 4.9%
- Elevation gain: 643ft
- Strava Segment
7. Bushcombe Lane – Cotswolds
One of the steepest ascents in southern England, Bushcombe rises out of Bishops Cleeve, near Cheltenham, like a wall – it’s an absolute leg-burner – even on an electric bike.
A few houses punctuate the climb, giving riders a real sense of how steep this hill is. With long stretches of over 20% in the middle of its 1-mile length, you’ll be thankful when you reach the top.
Just along the ridge line is Cleeve Hill, the highest point in the Cotswolds, an indication of the effort you have just achieved!
- Distance: 0.82 miles
- Average gradient: 11.3%
- Elevation gain: 494ft
- Strava Segment
8. Cheddar Gorge – Somerset
Winding between towering limestone cliffs, this is one of the UK’s most dramatic climbs. It’s not the steepest, but the gently rising gradient and stunning landscape combine to make it one of our favourite UK cycling climbs. With the odd sweeping bend, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in Courchevel, not somewhere synonymous with cheese!
- Distance: 2.93 miles
- Average gradient: 3.9%
- Elevation gain: 606ft
- Strava Segment
9. Porlock Hill – Exmoor
Britain’s steepest A-road doesn’t mess around. We’ve heard unverified stories of bikes snapping their frame with effort when climbing Porlock Hill in Exmoor. With hairpins and gradients approaching 25%, this is a true monster that earns its notoriety.
Being an A-road, this climb is best tackled in the early morning or late afternoon. Alternatively, if you’re cycling in Devon, the adjacent toll road is a more pleasant challenge than the main climb.
- Distance: 1.60 miles
- Average gradient: 11.7%
- Elevation gain: 998ft
- Strava Segment
10. Dunkery Beacon – Exmoor
This is a long, grinding climb that leads to Somerset’s highest point. Starting from sea level, you’ll weave up through tree-lined lanes before breaking out onto open moorland. The gradients vary throughout, never silly, but rarely kind. As you near the summit, the landscape feels increasingly wild and remote.
- Distance: 1.93 miles
- Average gradient: 10.3%
- Elevation gain: 1054ft
- Strava Segment
11. Haytor – Dartmoor
A Dartmoor legend and Tour of Britain staple, Haytor is a long and steady grind that rewards rhythm and patience. Starting near Bovey Tracey, the climb steadily ascends through open moorland, with grazing ponies, rugged tors, and vast skies providing a cinematic backdrop.
For strong riders – particularly those professionals riding the Tour of Britain – the fairly gentle gradients are a chance to stay seated and power up in the big ring. For the rest of us, it’s a slow-motion sufferfest.
- Distance: 3.57 miles
- Average gradient: 6.1%
- Elevation gain: 1146ft
- Strava Segment
12. Ditchling Beacon – East Sussex
Ditchling Beacon is the iconic final climb of the London to Brighton ride, and a South Downs staple – at the time of writing, there have been over 300,000 attempts of this climb on Strava!
At just under a mile, the climb feels longer thanks to its consistent 9–10% gradient and a few vicious ramps near the top. But what makes Ditchling memorable is the view. Crest the summit and you’ll be treated to sweeping panoramas of the Sussex countryside to the coast.
- Distance: 0.88 miles
- Average gradient: 9.7%
- Elevation gain: 453ft
- Strava Segment
13. Whiteleaf Hill – Chilterns
Heading back north now to another short but savage effort. Whiteleaf Hill rises sharply out of Princes Risborough and is a classic Chilterns test. Just over half a mile long, the average gradient hovers around 10%. The road twists steeply under a thick canopy of trees, making it feel even more claustrophobic and intense.
- Distance: 0.85miles
- Average gradient: 10.8%
- Elevation gain: 419ft
- Strava Segment
14. Winnats Pass – Peak District
Similar in style to Cheddar Gorge (just much steeper!), Winnats Pass rises out of Castleton and slices through towering limestone cliffs that seem to close in around you as the gradient ramps up. It’s not the longest climb, but its 20%+ sections come fast and hard, and there’s precious little flat to regroup. Ride it early for peace and atmosphere, or tackle it in summer and earn cheers from tourists lining the road.
- Distance: 1.06 miles
- Average gradient: 11.5%
- Elevation gain: 644ft
- Strava Segment
15. Hardknott Pass – Lake District
Often called the hardest climb in England, Hardknott Pass is a brutal, unrelenting wall of pain – just look at those climb statistics below! The climb, especially from the west, features gradients that frequently exceed 30%, with hairpins that demand both riding skill and strength. There’s no rhythm, no let-up. Phoar!
- Distance: 1.38 miles
- Average gradient: 13.3%
- Elevation gain: 979ft
- Strava Segment
16. Wrynose Pass – Lake District
Often ridden in tandem with Hardknott, Wrynose Pass is a Lake District beast in its own right. From Little Langdale, the climb is shorter but still brutal, with double-digit gradients, narrow lanes, and sharp hairpins.
- Distance: 1.56 miles
- Average gradient: 13.8%
- Elevation gain: 908ft
- Strava Segment
17. Honister Pass – Lake District
Honister is one of the Lake District’s most beautiful climbs – but don’t let the beauty fool you – this is an extremely tough test.
Approaching from the Borrowdale side, the road hits you hard straight out of Seatoller, with prolonged ramps well over 15%. It feels like the road is dragging you into the sky. The landscape is rugged and remote, with only visitors to the popular slate mine, open fell sides, and the occasional sheep for company.
- Distance: 1.37 miles
- Average gradient: 10.5%
- Elevation gain: 766ft
- Strava Segment
18. Kirkstone Pass – Lake District
Taken from Glenridding or Troutbeck, this is a long, hard effort with a satisfying summit. From Glenridding, riders can glance up and see the whole ribbon of tarmac stretched out on the hillside.
No mention of Kirkstone would be complete without discussing The Struggle – a climb which finishes at the same summit brow. Climbed from the village of Ambleside, this climb features some sick-enducing gradients. Long stretches of 20% plus, slow riders to a crawl, before a final set of turns sends you over the edge. For mere-mortals is over 30 minutes of pain, for the fittest riders it’s a shade over a quarter of an hour. The Struggle, indeed.
- Distance: 3.25 miles
- Average gradient: 5.6%
- Elevation gain: 965ft
- Strava Segment
Scotland
19. Bealach na Bà – Applecross, Highlands
The crown jewel of UK climbs. It’s sheer length, elevation gain, hairpins, double-digit gradients, and true highland wilderness make Bealach na Bà Britain’s most Alpine-style ascent. Ridden, east-to-west from Tornapress, riders will first come across large signs which advise of “High Snow Risk” and “Gradients of 1 in 5 and hairpin bends.”
After a gentle introduction, the climb gets going as it hugs the hillside. The road is a single track with passing places, but given its remoteness in the North Eastern corner of Scotland, you shouldn’t meet a horde of cars. As your lungs and legs start to plead for forgiveness, there are a couple of switchbacks to finish you off.
The views from the top, back down the climb, and over to the loch beyond are fantastic. Amazing Scottish landscapes. A bucket-list climb. Simply unmissable.
- Distance: 5.71 miles
- Average gradient: 6.8%
- Elevation gain: 2055ft
- Strava Segment
20. Cairnwell Pass – Glenshee
At 670 metres, Cairnwell Pass is Scotland’s highest through road and one of its most consistent climbs. It’s a long, steady effort that lets you settle into a rhythm, perfect for diesel engine riders. With wide views of the Grampians and a sense of total isolation, the road winds past the Glenshee Ski Centre before topping out in a landscape that feels more alpine than British.
- Distance: 5.08 miles
- Average gradient: 4.0%
- Elevation gain: 1078ft
- Strava Segment
21. The Lecht – Cairngorms
Situated deep in the Cairngorms, The Lecht has a dramatic feel, especially in low light or swirling mist. The road’s rollercoaster profile makes it difficult to find rhythm, but like the skiers who visit the centre from which this climb takes its name, this climb is thrilling. If you’ll permit us to call anaerobic exercise thrilling, that is!
- Distance: 2.61 miles
- Average gradient: 5.7%
- Elevation gain: 802ft
- Strava Segment
22. Duke’s Pass – Trossachs
More charming than cruel, Duke’s Pass is one of Scotland’s most scenic climbs. With gentle gradients, sweeping bends, and tree lined slopes, it’s ideal for those chasing scenery over suffering. Rising out of Aberfoyle, the climb flows beautifully, and although it’s not flat, it can be ridden at a high pace, especially if ridden as part of a group.
- Distance: 3.84 miles
- Average gradient: 1.9%
- Elevation gain: 521ft
- Strava Segment
23. Rest and Be Thankful – Argyll
A 2-mile, 850ft climb with a funny name! The name comes from an old stone inscription at the top, a sentiment every cyclist will agree with after the final stretch. Though not brutally steep, its length and exposure to the elements mean it’s never easy.
- Distance: 2.60 miles
- Average gradient: 6.1%
- Elevation gain: 839ft
- Strava Segment
24. Arthur’s Seat – Edinburgh
A mention of the best UK climbs for 2027 wouldn’t be complete without a mention of something in Edinburgh. Arthur’s Seat is an extinct volcano offering a short but sharp climb of just over a kilometre, with views of Edinburgh unfolding as you ascend.
- Distance: 0.88 miles
- Average gradient: 5.6%
- Elevation gain: 255ft
Wales
25. Bwlch y Groes – Eyri (Snowdonia)
This is Welsh climbing at its worst! 12% average over 1.8 miles with an elevation gain of 1200ft. How’s that for some painful statistics?!
Bwlch y Groes is perhaps the hardest climb in Wales. The road climbs relentlessly through bleak and beautiful terrain. There’s little respite and nowhere to hide, but the panoramic views at the summit are well worth the effort.
- Distance: 1.83 miles
- Average gradient: 12.5%
- Elevation gain: 1209ft
- Strava Segment
26. Devil’s Staircase – Powys
Tucked away in Mid Wales, the Devil’s Staircase has tight hairpins, gradients touching 25%, and a surface that’s seen better days. Like some of the steeper climbs on our list, it demands strength and bike handling in equal measure.
- Distance: 0.65 miles
- Average gradient: 12.6%
- Elevation gain: 440ft
- Strava Segment
27. The Tumble – Monmouthshire
A fixture in Welsh sportives and pro races, The Tumble is a steady, challenging ascent that rises from Abergavenny to the windswept summit of Blorenge. The gradient rarely spikes, but it doesn’t ease much either. It’s a consistent grind that rewards pacing and power. As you ascend, the views over the Usk Valley open up and grow more dramatic. At the summit, you’re greeted with a sense of achievement and often a proper crosswind. A South Wales essential.
- Distance: 2.90 miles
- Average gradient: 9.1%
- Elevation gain: 1263ft
- Strava Segment
Tired out after all that? We certainly are.
Which climbs did we miss? There were plenty in the Peak District we’d have loved to include, and some shorter tests down in Cornwall too! Oh, and what about Ffordd Pen Llech, a climb in Harlech, Wales, which is reputedly one of the steepest roads in the world!
Use the comments below to put us right!
