Start: 341570 Finish: 358578
Length: 3.0km Height Gain: 127m
When I first looked at this one on the map, I thought the climb started from Bleadon Bridge, but in truth there is so little rise from their to the post office in Bleadon that it is reasonable to start from the junction with the road coming in from Loxton - which fitted our route better, so that's what we did...
Starting with a fight to get feet clipped into the pedals before the steep section starts, I missed the pretty houses that sit at the beginning of this climb. The bottom section gives a stern pull for about 300m before a sharp left bend leads to a brief respite. Then comes the sharp right hander to a view of what this hill is really about, a stiff climb (about 1 in 6) as the road climbs into the hamlet of Bleadon Hill. Another sharp left takes you into a narrower, possibly slightly steeper, section - but it's only about 200m before the road flattens enough to make the right turn onto the minor road that continues to the top of Bleadon Hill a comfortable task.
The top road still leaves you with a 40m climb and there are some short sharp pulls on it, notably the rise to Bleadon Hill Golf Club which gives the appearance of a small wall as you approach it! From here it's easier, a steady climb up the last kilometre to with excellent views of the sea on both sides.
Rating: Well worth the outing. You'll need a specific effort to include it - but I'd make the effort again.
DP
Length: 3.0km Height Gain: 127m
When I first looked at this one on the map, I thought the climb started from Bleadon Bridge, but in truth there is so little rise from their to the post office in Bleadon that it is reasonable to start from the junction with the road coming in from Loxton - which fitted our route better, so that's what we did...
Starting with a fight to get feet clipped into the pedals before the steep section starts, I missed the pretty houses that sit at the beginning of this climb. The bottom section gives a stern pull for about 300m before a sharp left bend leads to a brief respite. Then comes the sharp right hander to a view of what this hill is really about, a stiff climb (about 1 in 6) as the road climbs into the hamlet of Bleadon Hill. Another sharp left takes you into a narrower, possibly slightly steeper, section - but it's only about 200m before the road flattens enough to make the right turn onto the minor road that continues to the top of Bleadon Hill a comfortable task.
The top road still leaves you with a 40m climb and there are some short sharp pulls on it, notably the rise to Bleadon Hill Golf Club which gives the appearance of a small wall as you approach it! From here it's easier, a steady climb up the last kilometre to with excellent views of the sea on both sides.
Rating: Well worth the outing. You'll need a specific effort to include it - but I'd make the effort again.
DP
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