Newgate Bank

Distance 1.1 miles

Max Gradient around 12% for short ramps

Where do you find it?

Simply ride straight down the B1257 from Great Broughton down Bilsdale towards Helmsley. After about 15 miles or so you come to a big hill, you can’t really avoid it!

Description

Well known staple for local riders as it’s a selection point on the annual Cleveland Wheelers Castelton 50 Challenge Ride/Tourist Trial/Road Race (delete as appropriate according to how you approach this particular bicycle ride). Probably a little harder than the ascent of Clay Bank, which you will probably have done before you start this one, it is a climb that you can attack if you want to put yourself in pain, but you can also go up it quite steadily if you want to be a little kinder to yourself. It starts with a short rise of around 8-10% which bends left before flattening off for about 150m or so. It then swoops right and here the climb really starts cutting its way up the hillside, sheltered by the trees on both sides, in a series of short ramps and flatter sections with more sustained climbing near the top where it probably reaches 12% for short sections. Patience is the key, find a tempo you’re comfortable with and the top will come after a left turn to reveal a great panorama to your right and the impressive shape of Hawnby Hill.

Descent

One of the best, sheltered but normally dries out quite quickly, and has a grippy surface so you can carry your speed into the sweeping bends with a degree of confidence. Get tucked in behind a bigger chap to get a bit of a draft and 50 mph is possible on most days, take care obviously!

Dave’s Sheep Rating (out of 5)

Done this climb loads of times and never seen a sheep

Sheep

Photos

The lower section
The lower section
Take in the view to your right, it will take your mind off the pain!
Take in the view to your right, it will take your mind off the pain!
The final drag to the top, try to stay composed and look cool as there’s normally people at the top taking in the view!
The final drag to the top, try to stay composed and look cool as there’s normally people at the top taking in the view!
Looking down from the top
Looking down from the top

 

Our Ratings and Comments:

  • 5 – Quite long and quite steep in sections but manageable for most riders.

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!

Paul Christon