East Barnby

Distance 0.93 miles

Max Gradient 15% for a very short section (sign says 20%)

Where do you find it?

There a two logical ways to get to the foot of the climb. The first approaching from the west is quite straightforward, following the A171 Moor road just take the left turn signposted Ugthorpe about 3 miles after you’ve passed Scaling Dam. Go through Ugthorpe itself then after about a mile and a half you will reach a crossroads, go left here, the climb starts immediately. A more interesting way is to do a ride out over the moors then return via the Blue Bank descent into Sleights. Follow the main road until it joins the moor road then go left heading west for about a mile (most of it uphill). Then take the right turn signposted Hutton Mulgrave. What follows for the next 5 miles or so is a great bit of little used undulating narrow country lane. You will eventually reach the same crossroads after a short sharp descent but in this case you go straight on.

Description

A lovely quiet little climb tucked away in a very quiet part of the area that bridges the gap between the coast and the moors. It starts at the crossroads and at first it follows a narrow but well surfaced country lane with high hedges which give you shelter for the whole way. The first section is steep but short, it then flattens as the road straightens out, you can now see the road rising to what is the hardest section as the road turns right then left as it enters the village. Once this bit is done the road just rises very slightly all the way through the village to the junction at the main road.

Descent

A good descent but the road is narrow so bear this in mind, also the last section is twisty and then ends abruptly at a crossroads. Rather than race down like a bat out of Hell this is maybe one to freewheel gently down, wind in your hair taking in the birdsong and the sweet smells of the summer meadow like they do in the movies. Better still do it on a sit up and beg bike with your picnic in the basket on the front, take it easy for once!

Dave’s Sheep Rating (out of 5)

Sheep nowhere to be seen, didn’t even bother to consult with Dave, it’s only a:

Photos

Our Ratings and Comments

• Paul – 3. An easy climb truth be told but very picturesque and worth seeking out. This will be within the compass of cyclists of all ages and abilities.

Note the ratings are :-

1. Where’s the slope?
2. No problem
3. Big ring
4. Spinning a gear
5. It’s a difficult one (a homage to Sean Kelly)
6. Light up all the boilers!
7. Handlebar snapper
8. Licking the front wheel
9. Dinner plate required
10. Fetch a nurse!