BEACON HILL

LICKEY, WORCESTERSHIRE

I came to this southern suburb of Birmingham to have a look at Rose Hill on the B4096, but a bit of local knowledge directed my attention slightly to the west. Rose Hill is a substantial test, but it’s busy, and my guide was correct – this is a quieter and, yes, steeper road. Leave Leach Heath Lane and rise gently through the houses until you see the zigzag road sign ahead, where the slope ramps violently up in front of you. Hit this stretch at speed and if you’re very lucky you’ll still be well on top of your gear when the course breaks hard right, leading to a welcome easing. As you approach the second pronounced bend, the road is lined with a barrier on the right-hand side and you sweep back on yourself as the gradient begins to bite once more. You’ll be breathing hard now and will have to put in a proper effort to reach the brow ahead, which, although not the summit, is just 500 metres shy of it nestled in the Lickey Hills.