HOLLY LANE

AMBERGATE

Holly Lane, or the AHC/3 as it’s also known, is a frequently used hill climb course, so you know it’s going to be a proper test. I only raced it once, back in 1991, and although not as tough as Riber up the road in Matlock, it certainly hurt. Begin by leaving the A6 in the village; ride past the small stone church, cross the River Derwent, and then the narrow road – framed by low stone walls – bends left and up. Becoming steeper as it rises, it soon hits its maximum gradient as you bend right. Lined out in front of you is a solid stretch of 14% climbing through a tunnel of trees towards the light at the top. As you exit the woods you pass Whitewells Lane on your left and the slope relents a fraction. Keep pushing on, bending gradually right and then straightening once more up to the right–left kink at a solitary farm. It’s tough round this corner but eases significantly along the final section to the brow ahead.