LOWE LANE

HOOD GREEN, BARNSLEY

Lying just south of Barnsley, this climb is the best test for the legs in an area where there isn’t a huge deal to choose from. Approaching from the south, following the route of the M1, you can build up some speed to take into the lower slopes, past the entrance to the Wentworth Castle gardens. Rising solidly for 300 metres, the steady start alters as it bends left and up ahead is a 16% sign – it’s pretty accurate. The severity of the slope is remarkably consistent, sticking close to that 16%, possibly steeper in places, as it weaves very slightly through a small wood and alongside a high stone wall. Ahead there’s a brow and the road disappears from view, suggesting you may be near the summit, but it’s merely a slight relaxation of the slope. Past a repurposed church the tough climbing returns, but not as hard as before. And it’s not long until the gradient fizzles out and the climb finally drops down into Hood Green.