WITTON STEEPS

WEST WITTON, LEYBURN

OK, it’s no giant pass, but this wicked little road makes an excellent addition to any ride through the beautiful Yorkshire Dales. The climb rises straight away from Main Street in West Witton, not too steep to begin with but promising trouble ahead – as you approach the first bends you’ll notice a 25% sign. Heading through the first corners, anticipating the advertised 25%, you’ll find, to your relief, that it’s not even close. Have you dodged a bullet? Hmm, let’s see. Up next there’s a brief lull before the road straightens and then kinks left – now, now it starts to get steep. First bending right – ouch – it then continues to climb very hard up to the second, tougher brace of brilliant hairpins. Pull yourself round this corner and line up for the finish. Not as gruelling as the previous 100 metres, but still a substantial slope, it will force you out of the saddle more than once before you halt at the junction with Common Lane.