100 Climbs Route: Day 28, Lechlade-on-Thames to Kings Langley

In August 2018, three Cycling UK members - Dominic Millar, Graham Salisbury and James Findlater – cycled a 3,300-mile, 29-day route around Britain to take on all 100 hills featured in Simon Warren’s book ‘100 Greatest Cycling Climbs’. This route plots day 28 of the journey, 107 miles from Lechlade-on-Thames to Kings Langley, taking in the climbs of Combe Gibbet, Streatley Hill and Whiteleaf.

If the key to living a successful life is everything in moderation, then this penultimate day on the ‘100 Climbs’ tour should be a real humdinger. The route itself is a fairly moderate 107 miles. The three feature climbs all come at nicely moderate intervals. And the terrain you’ll ride through is moderately challenging. The one thing that isn’t moderate will be the scenery en route, with most of the day spent in the North Wessex Downs and Chiltern Hills, both Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

So, to the saddle, and your first task is to head south from Lechlade-on-Thames onto the Downs just outside Swindon, eventually reaching Combe for climb one. Combe’s Gibbet gradually increases its gradient - from gentle at first to a definite kick at the top - but you’ll at least be rewarded with a truly stunning view of the Thames Valley to make up for your efforts.

Once you’ve admired the panorama, head back down the hill and ride north-east. After a fair spin through typical English countryside – all green fields, hedgerows, and welcoming pubs – you’ll want to aim for Streatley. Turn left at the crossroads to take on Streatley Hill, as used in the Tour of Britain. If the pros found it hard, you probably will, too.

Once at the summit, it’s time to turn around again and this time go straight over the crossroads at Streatley, heading east. Ride through Goring than aim north-east, passing towns and villages such as Nuffield, Park Corner, Christmas Common and the Aston Rowant National Nature Reserve as you head over the M40.

Keep on to Monks Risborough, where you’ll encounter our final classified climb of the day: Whiteleaf. This is another climb whose fame has been enhanced by elite racing as it’s a vital part of the Archer Grand Prix, and you’ll see why. It might start smooth and straight but by the top you’ll weaving as much as the road and feeling as rough as its surface.

With the climbing done, it’s time to head eastwards, through Great Missenden, Chesham and Bovingdon. You may be London and then Guildford-bound, but tonight at least, you’ll be staying in Kings Langley.

Just one more day to go!