RedRider
Pulling through
- Location
- Location Embrocation
They mightn't have the fame of the Tourmalet one in France but it turns out the UK and Ireland is home to 2002 cols (and 105 passes). That's according to research by Graham Robb, a keen cyclist and walker who's book 'Cols and Passes of the British Isles' was published last summer by Penguin.
A col is the 'lowest point on the saddle between two mountains' or hills. These necks in the landscape are 'portals rather than obstacles, which is why walkers and cyclists who travel for pleasure rather than punishment soon learn to appreciate their magical qualities.' They've been highways and byways for people and animals since pre-history and naturally they've had numerous legends and stories attached to them.
In Wales their whereabouts might be hidden as bwlch or in the highlands of Scoltland as bealach, they are described in dozens of ways or not at all.
I was excited to discover that London has its own col and I pass over both directions pretty much every day. Here it is, up Honour Oak Park and down Forest Hill Rd:
Mr Robb has dedicated his book to the first person who passes over every col without resorting to an engine. I guess that would take one very dedicated person a lifetime. Instead, for a bit of fun let's see what the collective legs of CycleChat can do about making a start on this impossible quest.
Not all of us will be lucky but hopefully, those of us with the geographic opportunity will post about our col-bagging.
In the meantime, here's a link to a feature from The Telegraph by the author on his journey to writing the book...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/acti...scover-britains-cols---our-lost-mountain-hig/
A col is the 'lowest point on the saddle between two mountains' or hills. These necks in the landscape are 'portals rather than obstacles, which is why walkers and cyclists who travel for pleasure rather than punishment soon learn to appreciate their magical qualities.' They've been highways and byways for people and animals since pre-history and naturally they've had numerous legends and stories attached to them.
In Wales their whereabouts might be hidden as bwlch or in the highlands of Scoltland as bealach, they are described in dozens of ways or not at all.
I was excited to discover that London has its own col and I pass over both directions pretty much every day. Here it is, up Honour Oak Park and down Forest Hill Rd:
Mr Robb has dedicated his book to the first person who passes over every col without resorting to an engine. I guess that would take one very dedicated person a lifetime. Instead, for a bit of fun let's see what the collective legs of CycleChat can do about making a start on this impossible quest.
Not all of us will be lucky but hopefully, those of us with the geographic opportunity will post about our col-bagging.
In the meantime, here's a link to a feature from The Telegraph by the author on his journey to writing the book...
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/acti...scover-britains-cols---our-lost-mountain-hig/
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