Lydiate Lane from Lynton

This climb can effectively be begun from Lynmouth, with the climb up Castle Hill continuing to Lydiate Lane through Lynton, and effectively making for 2.4km at well above 12％. Once you are through Lynton, the road narrows and the surface deteriorates, with significant gravel which nevertheless is no serious impediment to a road bike if you keep a good line. Road signs discourage motor vehicles, but i encountered several pedestrians walking down the hill - to be expected given the proximity of the tourism-friendly start towns and the presence of camp and caravan sites adjacent. The steepness is hellish, and compact gearing is highly recommended; if you're stupid enough to make do without as i did, prepare for the possibility of having to pause for a breather - as i did. The road is heavily hedgerowed, and by the standards of the region offers little in the way of views to compare to its more scenic neighbours. But focusing on the views seems rather a luxurious thought at the gradient in any case.