Kent Hills

[Pgd]

Back on topic: I went down the lane this morning. The surface is good and presumably will remain in that condition until next winter.

Bumping on a similar topic:

I've been *down* Chalkpit,with no particular issue. But I've never dared go up because of the traffic -- instead I use the quieter Gangers Hill or Tandridge Hill Lane if I'm going that way.

However, on a whim the other day I routed myself up another possibility I recently discovered: the gravelled byway Pitchfont Lane. On paper it's similar to nearby White Lane, but the loose surface was very challenging with 35mm tyres and 1:1 lowest gear. (Luckily some forestry vehicles had clearly used it recently, so the ground was fairly compressed and free of overhanging branches -- I can imagine it could be far worse.) Impressed a couple of old boys coming the other way near the top... impressed myself to be honest! Definitely couldn't have done it a couple of years ago. Anyway... another option 😄

 

[Dogtrousers]

Bumping on a similar topic:

I've been *down* Chalkpit,with no particular issue. But I've never dared go up because of the traffic -- instead I use the quieter Gangers Hill or Tandridge Hill Lane if I'm going that way.

However, on a whim the other day I routed myself up another possibility I recently discovered: the gravelled byway Pitchfont Lane. On paper it's similar to nearby White Lane, but the loose surface was very challenging with 35mm tyres and 1:1 lowest gear. (Luckily some forestry vehicles had clearly used it recently, so the ground was fairly compressed and free of overhanging branches -- I can imagine it could be far worse.) Impressed a couple of old boys coming the other way near the top... impressed myself to be honest! Definitely couldn't have done it a couple of years ago. Anyway... another option 😄

I've walked up and down Pitchfont Lane quite a few times (although I never knew its name - I had to check the map).

I take my hat off to you. From memory it's very steep and rutted with the paths of runoff streams. I've never even considered trying to cycle up it. White Lane is hard enough for me.

 

[Oldhippy]

The downs have crackers. The hill out of Folkestone is interesting with four panniers and a tent.

 

[ianrauk]

The downs have crackers. The hill out of Folkestone is interesting with four panniers and a tent.

Are you talking about Dover Hill at Capel le Fern up to the Valiant Sailor?

 

[Oldhippy]

Yep that one.

 

[ianrauk]

Yep that one.

Well at least there's a decentish cycle path that's separate from the road.

 

[Oldhippy]

True enough, tis a bugger though.

 

[ianrauk]

True enough, tis a bugger though.

Indeed. I tackle it every year on the Oasts & Coasts Audax route.

 

[Pgd]

I take my hat off to you. From memory it's very steep and rutted with the paths of runoff streams. I've never even considered trying to cycle up it. White Lane is hard enough for me.

Thankyou -- but equally chapeau to you for Chalkpit! All in the perception I guess. Plus if it was in the state you recall it, there's no way I would've made it; I was lucky.