Kentish Hills

'Ello,

I was considering some Kentish hills for a weekend run, and I soon discovered that my understanding of what's available below London is poor. Half the time I can't recall names, while the other half I'm unable to remember the correct approach.

So, I could do with a little help. At the moment I can remember (with relative confidence):-

**Toys Hill: **heading North
**Saltbox Hill: **Either way (It's a valley)
***Star Hill Road: *heading North

These I've seen mentioned recently, are they worth a go?:-

Hogstrough Hill, Yorks Hill, Hang Grove Hill, Bayley's Hill, Ide Hill (all heading North).

Anyone got a favourite hill? I'm sure I've missed a ton of them.

Ta very much.

some good ones listed there ^
look out for titsey hill

[SIZE=4]Titsey Hill[/SIZE]
[SIZE=4]Titsey, Oxted RH8 0SD[/SIZE]

not quite in kent but part of the north downs..
also look at the king of the downs sportive by evans for inspiration

http://www.evanscycles.com/ride-it/king-of-the-downs-super-sportive-may-23rd-2010

^White lane FFS.

apologies i'm not a man of k*nt..

You've done Yorks Hill before, Nick. It's that little gem in the middle of nowhere with the writing on the road that keeps on giving (it's the road south of the junction inidcated). And don't forget Chalkpit Lane. Tandridge/Gangers pretty good too.
Not to neglect Scarlett's special, Succomb's

And Beddlestead, heading south.

Further East, you've got Sundridge, and then much further east there's Cotmans Ash Lane, Exedown and Old Terry's Lodge, all over by Heaverham.

nick, are you london based?

alot of riders start out from Crystal Palace - cafe st germain..
i'm heading that way in a couple of weeks time for a spin via ide, toys, chiddingstone, sevenoaks, biggin hill
+70mile round trip from north london.

let us know how you get on.

al

Thanks for the tips.

My memory for these things is really quite embarrassing, many of the hills that I've previously hit I'd need to climb again to remember. In fact I've a mind to head out over the next week or two, attempting to improve my recollection of terrain to which I've paid insufficient attention.

While I'm here, there's one in particular climb that I'd like to find. I think it's around Cudham. It starts with a swoopy left turn (when heading roughly toward London) that very quickly drops away into a narrowish road/ steep descent. The subsequent ascent is quite sharp, eventually levelling off onto some super-smooth, recently resurfaced tarmac. Ring any bells? I've ridden it countless times, and I still can't flippin' remember it. In fact, there's a good chance that it's mentioned above^.

Thanks again.

yes Nick, you could make the snack suprise route . it is full of hills 6pt has got the garmin thinguie

I did Succombs yesterday. Not enjoyable ;(

'Ello Al'. Yes, I'm based in North London, and I'm always grateful for the opportunity of a spin. Keep me posted. As for letting everyone know, sure. This usually happens shortly after returning home, when I'm slightly high and in considerable discomfort. I usually regret it later. :)

I guess my main reason for wanting to pick out specific hills, rather than overall routes, is that linking climbs into routes is a good way of really tailoring a challenging day out. I worked this way a bit last year (further North), and the resulting rides were such good fun. I must keep in mind that there's more to cycling than Swaining around Highate Cemetary.

Sounds like Downe Road - 25% briefly as you drop down off Cudham Lane, then nice new tarmac as you climb back towards the village.

I did Succombs yesterday. Not enjoyable ;(

Big ring climb.

Sounds like Downe Road.

Thassit! Thanks.

So I took all the names wimme to Bikemap, and the penny dropped. Ladies and gentleman, I think I just realised where the North Downs are. Who knew?