THRUSSENDALE ROAD

ACKLAM, MALTON

The views from the top of this ridge – immortalised in David Hockney’s 1998 painting, Garrowby Hill – are some of the best in Yorkshire. The painting famously features the A166 just to the south, a busy road that is best avoided, unlike this climb, which is blissfully quiet and devilishly steep. There are plenty of 15% and 16% signs around these parts but only a couple of 20% signs, and yes, you guessed it, they adorn Thrussendale Road. After a little kick out of Acklam, the road then eases, allowing you to focus on your target: the radio mast on top of the ridge. Rearing up, it eases once again outside a solitary farmhouse, and then rises hard; it’s a tough ride to where the road curves round to the right and the slope abates. Push on through, past the 20% gradient sign on your right, then turn around to take in the view – on a clear day you’ll be able to see the whole county.