top of page

MY CYCLING GUIDE BOOKS

The original 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs, the book that started it all was released in June 2010 and there are now 13 further climbing guides covering the UK, Belgium, France, Italy and Spain. Also, released in 2022 was my first large format book, RIDE Britain.

RIDE Britain

I have shaken myself free from the shackles of my pocket guides and for the first time linked the dots between the hills to present you with 40 awesome routes. They are of course all PACKED with hills: would you expect anything else? All set in the most beautiful scenery mainland Britain has to offer the inspiration for the rides came from parts of famous sportive courses, from research trips, family holidays, races I have competed in. There are a couple of real monsters within the pages with the longest standing at 274 kilometres but the vast majority are more modest. Although they all offer a hearty challenge they should be well within the capabilities of most riders. So whether it’s a long summer’s evening or a weekend away here are 40 challenges, 40 adventures through 40 remarkable areas of natural beauty for you to tackle. Take care out there and enjoy riding Britain.

Ride Britain Front cover social.jpg
Spain Cover FINAL.jpg

100 Greatest Cycling Climbs of SPAIN

Packed full of the legendary roads on the Spanish mainland which have found fame in the Vuelta a España, such as the Angliru, Alto de Velefique, Lagos de Covadonga and the mighty Pico Veleta, the featured climbs travel the length and breadth of the country – from the Pyrenees, across the Basque Country to Asturias, around Madrid and down through Catalunya to Andalucía. The book also travels out to sea to cover Mallorca and Canary Islands. These perennially favoured destinations for cyclists searching year-round sun are home to some extraordinary climbs, from Sa Calobra on Mallorca, to Teide on Tenerife,

and the incomparable Roque de los Muchachos on La Palma.

Another 100 climbs V.jpg

Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

Longer! Higher! Steeper! The sequel to 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs is packed with another century of stunning ascents. Ticking all the same boxes as the original 100 climbs you’ ll find inside killer hills from the tip of Cornwall to the Highlands of Scotland via East Anglia and the Isle of Man. Roads such as Asterton Bank, Gospel Pass, Millook, and the mighty Great Dun Fell. Just when you thought it was safe to go back to riding on the flat, here come another 100 Climbs.

The 100 TDF cover V.jpg

100 Greatest Cycling climbs of the Tour de France

Technology may advance, training and diet may evolve, but these mountains are constant. They have witnessed triumph and despair, courage and heartache, they are where champions are made and where dreams are shattered. And yes, the greatest arenas of the world’s greatest race are open 365 days a year for every one of us to ride. So take up the challenge, emulate your heroes and make your mark on the 100 greatest cycling climbs of the Tour de France.

100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

From lung busting city centre cobbles to leg breaking windswept mountain passes, this guide locates the roads that have tested riders for generations and worked their way into cycling folklore. Whether you’re a leisure cyclist looking for a challenge or an elite athlete trying to break records these are the 100 British climbs you need to ride, so get your bike out

and head for the hills.

GC of Italy cover.jpg

100 Greatest Cycling Climbs of ITALY

Home to amazing roads like the Stelvio Pass and Monte Zoncolon in the North all the way down to Monte Etna in Sicila, Italy is a true cyclist’s playground. Through the unparalleled beauty of the Dolomites to the solitude of the southern Apennines prepare to discover climbs beyond your imagination.

New Hellingen cover.jpg

Hellingen

From the rugged cobbles of the Tour of Flanders, to the jagged peaks of Liège-Bastogne-Liège and beyond, this pocket guide pinpoints fifty climbs that once ridden will give a true appreciation of the races they epitomise. If you thought Belgium was flat…think again.

Cycling climbs of Yorkshire

Whether you're tempted by the crazily steep inclines of the North York Moors, the grand passes of the Yorkshire Dales or the rugged Calderdale cobbles, there's something for everyone. This incredibly diverse topography, home to such famous ascents as Rosedale Chimney, Buttertubs Pass and Holme Moss, make it a hill climber’s paradise.

Cycling climbs of North-west England

If you’re looking for a true test on the bike, and relish having your legs pummelled by savage inclines, then head to North-West England. Featuring famous climbs such as Honister Pass in the Lake District and Great Dunn Fell in the Pennines, the almost impossible 30% slopes of Hardknott Pass to the gloriously

long climb of the Cat and Fiddle, one thing is for certain –

you’ll need your strongest climbing legs.

Cycling climbs of Wales

Climbs such as the Devil’s Staircase, the Horseshoe Pass and Bwlch-Y-Groes are etched into cycling history, and there are many lesser known yet equally amazing ascents out there waiting to be unearthed. With scenery to rival anywhere on Earth and roads so quiet you could hear a pin drop, Wales, under clear blue skies, is cycling heaven.

Cycling climbs of South-east England

From the rolling vistas of the Chilterns, through the twisting lanes of the Surrey Hills all the way to the rugged white cliffs of Dover, the South-East is littered with tough climbs. Many have now become household names such as the mighty Box Hill or Ditchling Beacon, but many others lie hidden, gems just waiting for you to discover.

So whether you live in London Fields or the Kentish Weald there

will be a climb inside this book, right on your doorstep,

just waiting to be conquered.

Cycling climbs of South-west England

Plot a route between any two points in this region and its profile is likely to resemble an upturned saw blade – together, the Cotswolds, the Mendips and the exquisite Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks form a perfect hill climber’s playground. In quiet Cornish fishing villages, on top of Bodmin Moor and cresting the Salisbury Plain are legions of punishingly beautiful roads eager to meet their

cycling match, and the very best are between these pages.

Cycling climbs of Scotland

Wild, remote, windswept and downright epic, the climbs of Scotland are not for the faint of heart. Crossing weather-beaten islands and often snow-covered mountains, these great roads demand the utmost respect and are often set in scenes of indescribable beauty. The famous glens and lochs that draw visitors from around the globe are the backdrop to legends such as The Lecht,

The Talla Wall and the one and only Bealach-nà-Ba.

Midlands cycling climbs cover OUT.jpg

Cycling climbs of the Midlands

Spanning the width of England, the Midlands contain numerous (literally) breath-taking climbs. The isolation of the Lincolnshire Wolds and the desolation of the Long Mynd are home to a myriad of challenges, and no matter where you look, you’re never too far from an absolute killer. Highlights include the infamous Mow Cop, the rugged Michaelgate and the savage Asterton Bank. Add to these the famous ascents of the Peak District – Winnats Pass, Curbar Edge and Monsal Head – and you are truly spoilt for choice. So, what are you waiting for? 

North East cover OUT.jpg

Cycling climbs of North-east England

When it comes to choosing a top cycling destination, there are three key ingredients to keep in mind; beautiful landscapes, empty roads and, of course, killer climbs. North-East England, from the Pennines all the way up to the border with Scotland, has all three in spades. Among its classic climbs are Chapel Fell and Crawleyside in County Durham and the brilliant Plenmeller Common and Prospect Hill of Northumberland. In fact, whichever county you pedal into, you’re never too far from a real challenge, and a cycling trip to remember.

Cycling climbs box set mock up OUT.jpg

Britain's Greatest Cycling Climbs BOX SET

Comprising a total of 545 ascents from the tip of Cornwall all the way up to the highlands of Scotland, the eight region-specific volumes of Britain’s Greatest Cycling Climbs contain the most comprehensive documentation of Britain’s hills ever compiled for road cyclists. Whether it’s a vicious incline on the North York Moors you crave, or a grind up one of the epic mountain passes in Wales, this ultimate resource for cycling enthusiasts will help you find what you are looking for.

bottom of page