FOXT LANE

FROGHALL, STAFFORDSHIRE

All roads from Froghall, in all directions, head upwards. You have the impossibly grim and busy 16% slopes of the A52; the equally steep yet not quite as congested B5053 into Ipstones; and this climb, through the village of Foxt. Leaving the main road, you pass the picturesque surroundings of some parkland and waterworks before settling into your task. It’s steep right away – well over 10% – and a real challenge until the slope backs off on the approach to the first houses of Foxt. Ahead you see the village sign and then, as you pass a group of buildings, the road bends tight right and immediately left to ease in front of a short line of cottages. Now comes another bend and more hard work, this time left; it’s steep to a brow, bends right, and then you ride into the heart of the village. Navigate through and out the other side to continue to the summit, 100 metres shy of the junction with Shaw-Wall Lane.