Killer Climbs - Old Church Lane

Address

Pateley Bridge North Yorkshire HG3 5AW

One regular comment from visitors to Pateley Bridge is how steep the high street is.  In point of fact at less than 10% it’s not all that steep at all, as you’ll find out on this Killer Climb.  Instead of following the main road down the valley from the top of the high street, this climb goes straight up, to the top!

Along the way, it takes in twists, turns and unrelenting gradients that could well make it the most severe, and testing of all our Killer Climbs.

Climb Guide: We begin the climb at the top of the high street.  Gradients such as the 7, 8 and 9% of the High Street are of no interest to us here (but feel free to use this as a final warm-up).

The first hundred metres might not seem so bad, but the road will quickly steepen, tighten and close in and before you are even a quarter of a mile in the gradient exceeds 20%.  The retaining walls that loom over you on either side only serve to demonstrate how the original builders of this road had to dig down to make the route navigable by the horse and cart.

If you make it through these bends you will find yourself on a short traversing section where, if you have the breath to look sideways and take it in, you can enjoy one of the most dramatic views up Nidderdale and over the town.

However the view is short lived and the road turns back to the right for another onslaught on your legs.  With gradients in the mid to high teens you may find yourself breaking the climb up into small manageable achievements, looking all the way up the length of the road maybe enough to break the spirit of anyone who’s struggling at this point.

Slow and steady, with a comfortable cadence there are a number of pretty houses and other curiosities with which to distract your thoughts.   It is worth pointing out, for anyone who decides a rest is for the best, that the view behind you as you reach the top of this drag is impressive and far reaching.  From near the top you can see as far as the broadcasting mast at Emley Moor in West Yorkshire.

For those who are digging deep, when you pass the turning to the right you can begin to think of rest, of freewheeling – but not too much.  The gradient will slowly lessen and lessen and bit by bit you begin to move up through the gears.

Soon you’ll be getting some speed up and wondering if you can sprint to the end point, which for this climb, is the wooden Public Footpath sign on the right, pointing walkers up a grassy double track.

Then you are up, and can survey the view and take on some refreshment before you crack on with your ride.

See the rest of Nidderdale's Killer Climbs here.

Read more

Nearby  Places

Pateley Bridge Recreation...
Things To Do

Pateley Bridge Recreation...

Killer Climbs - Peat Lane
Things To Do

Killer Climbs - Peat Lane

Killer Climbs - Two Stoops...
Things To Do

Killer Climbs - Two Stoops...

Bewerley Tree Trail
Things To Do

Bewerley Tree Trail

Way of the Roses - Coast to...
Things To Do

Way of the Roses - Coast to...

The Nidderdale Classic - MTB...
Things To Do

The Nidderdale Classic - MTB...

Loading...

Loading entries...

Behind the scenes of  Things To Do

An exhibition to celebrate at the Mercer Gallery
Attractions
4th Aug 2022
An exhibition to celebrate at the Mercer Gallery icon

An exhibition to celebrate at the Mercer Gallery

Celebration is the current exhibition on show at the Mercer Art Gallery in Harrogate and it is just that...

Your mountain biking weekend to Nidderdale
Stay Active
17th Aug 2021
Your mountain biking weekend to Nidderdale icon

Your mountain biking weekend to Nidderdale

Get together with some mates and enjoy the rough terrain of Nidderdale on the mountain bike, climbs, descents and...

Five Harrogate Walks for Nature
Stay Active
3rd May 2023
Five Harrogate Walks for Nature icon

Five Harrogate Walks for Nature

Embark on unforgettable Harrogate walks through stunning nature spots. Discover five scenic walks for nature enthusiasts, showcasing the beauty...

Loading...

Loading entries...

More  Things To Do businesses

Harewood House
Things To Do

Harewood House

Valley Gardens, Harrogate
Things To Do

Valley Gardens, Harrogate

Bebra Gardens, Knaresborough
Things To Do

Bebra Gardens, Knaresborough

Ripon Workhouse & Garden...
Things To Do

Ripon Workhouse & Garden...

Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours...
Things To Do

Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours...

Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours
Things To Do

Yorkshire Appetite Food Tours

Markenfield Hall
Things To Do

Markenfield Hall

Farm Adventure
Things To Do

Farm Adventure

Beningbrough - National Trust
Things To Do

Beningbrough - National Trust

Loading...

Loading entries...