North London Hills

Yeah, but let's be honest, that's a piece of piss. The main thing about the hill is the psychology. That's why Highgate West Hill is such a killer. You think you're almost there then it turns 90 degrees right and kicks up several times over, at the very moment that you're praying for some kind of respite. In contrast Crouch Hill levels out once you've broken the back of it.

The West Hill is far more tricky than Swain's Lane for my money, for that very reason.

true, but seeing as I'm usually still half asleep by the time I reach Crouch Hill, it's a nice 'little sting' in the mornings!

Might be up for some hill rides on a Monday evening though (once weather cheers up) as sick of coming home with everyday bike covered in black roadpissshit and having to give it a quick blast with the hose before I can bring it anywhere near the house, so stuff having to do it on my commuter then my training bike!