The Kent Ramp Hunter is a relatively short but VERY challenging ride that takes on some of the steepest climbs in the area.
The long climb up Downe Road turns nasty at the end (hitting 20%) and sets the tone for the rest of the ride with Toys Hill, Hogtrough Hill, White Lane, and Hesier’s Hill lying in wait. Expect to hit your max heart rate.
Starting point: Gails Bakery, Clapham Old Town.
Suggested café stop: Velobarn, Pilgrim’s Way (59km).
The Wendover Loop cycling route takes a steady climb out of West London, leaving London north of Uxbridge before heading into the heart of the Chilterns.
The Windsor Alternative Loop cycling route differs from the Classic Loop in that it does not come back so directly. Rather than shadowing the river by Staines, this route turns up Crimp Hill and Callow Hill for a lumpier and more scenic return journey. It rejoins the usual route at Chertsey.
The Bough Beech Loop cycling route crosses two ridges of the Downs, first over Biggin Hill via the Beddlestead and then the Brasted Chart climb over Toys Hill before heading to Chiddingstone. The return return passes through Bough Beech reservoir and up Ide Hill to the stunning views at the top.
The Ranmore special is an unusual HITR route – comparatively flat but with the eponymous lump in the middle.
The Kentish Kraken winds its way across two ridges of the Downs (crossing the southern ridge four times!). Climbs include Crockham Hill, Brasted Chart (the steadier but longer north side of Toys Hill), and Ide Hill.