LEADENHAM HILL

LEADENHAM, LINCOLNSHIRE

Growing up in Nottinghamshire, this climb was one of the key landmarks on family trips to the coast. Back then it was still the main road, but now a bypass navigates the A17 round the village of Leadenham. And, as I’m mentioning the A17, I must warn you that this is a truly horrible road to cycle on – it is constantly full of HGVs hauling produce from Lincolnshire’s farms, so keep your time on it to a minimum. The approach to the hill starts pan flat and then you begin the first half of the climb, rising sharply to finish in front of the George Hotel. Turn right here and then left towards the traffic lights at the junction with the A607. If you’re lucky you’ll pass right through – if not, just enjoy the rest. The second half of the climb is tougher as it arcs right and then left, up through the wood. Give it some stick as you exit the trees and keep pushing over the pronounced brow to reach the transmitter just off to the left.