Bushcombe Lane, Woodmancote, Gloucestershire
You're spoilt for choice when it comes to climbing Cleeve Hill. The three vicious ascents leaving Woodmancote all offer a fantastic challenge, and of the three it's Bushcombe Lane that stands apart. From the junction with Station Road, exit the village past the first 25% sign then the road bends left at a second 25% warning – as if you need reminding, it's going to be hard. Once the gradient kicks in it just gets steeper and steeper, 20% past the last of the houses, then the fun really starts. Banking right, the surface breaks up and 20% soon turns into 25%. This is one of the toughest bits of road anywhere in the UK and, through the next left-hand bend, it touches 30% at the apex. Heave yourself round this evil corner and you're through the worst of it. There is still some way to go but you can click through the gears before finishing just after a gaping cattle grid adjacent to a small car park.
Where Head east from the A435 through the village of Bishop's Cleeve on Finlay Way. Now on Station Road, take the third left after crossing the rail line on to Bushcombe Lane between the two 25% signs. Grid ref: SO 983 279 (OS 163)
Length 1.54km
Height gain 167m
Approx climb time 9 mins
, and whilst she was slow managed it without really breaking a sweat 
