Steepest climbs in central London

[Colin_P]

You might get some funny looks and possibly arrested on a bike but the climb out from the bottom of Bloomsbury Square car park has go to be quite a climb.

 

[slowmotion]

The climb from Base Camp to the summit of Albert Bridge is absolutely brutal.

 

[DaveReading]

Many of the streets between the Embankment and the Strand are fairly steep.

 

[Blue Hills]

A bit closer to central London than Croydon, there's Primrose Hill, which is steep enough to get you out of the saddle, but pretty short. Probably just about doable on a Boris Bike if you fancy a challenge.

Out of the saddle? I don't know anything steep enough to get me out of the saddle. Don't you have gears?

 

[martint235]

Water Tower Hill, which does run North South is a bit steep.

The climb up to the overpass from the High Street in Croydon can be challenging if you've just ridden to Brighton and back.

The only hill on my commute that requires the 39 front chain ring is Shooters Hill

 

[xxDarkRiderxx]

Probably already mentioned and not quite central London Muswell Hill, or Alexander Palace. I used to find the long drag from Camden up and over past Holloway prison and Holloway Rd brutal after playing football in Regents park. I know I am a pussy.

 

[vickster]

North London is indeed pretty hilly (for London)

Balham hill is the CS7 mountain!

 

[ianrauk]

Let's ask CC's resident human London A-Z, @User10571

There's a fair few nasties south of the river. Vicars Hill, Telegraph Hill etc

 

[Blue Hills]

Googling peaks of lewisham might turn up some stuff.

And pics.

May post 1 or 2 if have time/opportunity.

Best views of london are from south of the river. One or two peaks you can see both kent and central london laid out below you.

 

[rrarider]

I lived in NW London for many years and I found the hardest climb was up to Hampstead from the Finchley Road by Arkwright Road. The last few yards increased in gradient and I struggled with my 54 inch lowest gear. I probably wouldn't be able to do it now.

 

[TheJDog]

A bit further out at Dollis Hill there is a road called Parkside, strangely up the side of the park, and it is brutal, but pretty short.

@rraider Arkwright Road is hard because the surface is so awful, speed bumps, platforms, and potholes all combining to screw you up.

 

[ianrauk]

Oh yes,
The road up to Ally Pally is a nice climb.

@Blue Hills , what about Cannonbie Road? That's got to be over 15% right?

 

[Blue Hills]

Canonbie road.

Someone at the back with possibly a gearless bike walking after straying from hipster flatlands

https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/37034456@N06/4720544170/

 

[Blue Hills]

And another canonbie.

Once away from wonky tab will try to integrate pics into stream

https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/37034456@N06/4637988723/

 

[ianrauk]

Canonbie road.

Someone at the back with possibly a gearless bike walking after straying from hipster flatlands

https://m.flickr.com/#/photos/37034456@N06/4720544170/

Katie and the Good Doctor