London's Toughest Hills

Forgot about Hogtrough. That is a nice view at the top. Tough call but I reckon that Sundridge is worse. Might have to go down there at the weekend to see if I'm remembering correctly. I usually give them a miss these days and head back into town via Star Hill Road. Tough but a more sensible gradient.

Either way, the best thing about those three is that there's generally nothing else on them apart from me and the bike. Noone else to witness the silent shame of me thinking that I'm moving forward but looking like I'm doing a trackstand.

A shade over to the west from Westerham, there's Titsey Hill, it's a beauty. You can see it on the approach from miles away, kicks up to 16% in the lower section then goes on for a good K or more at a fairly tough and constant gradient. If I'm feeling particularly saucy I do a loop down into Kent and get up it on 48/16 before work. Endorphins for breakfast and you can take on anything.

I'll see you those 2 hills, and raise you a Chalkpit Lane, up out of Oxted, past the quarry.