Aston Hill

A relatively long and steep climb, especially when adding the climbing to reach the beginning. Not too much to see, mostly forest, and moderately busy (although quieter the higher one climbs). There wasn’t anything that particularly stood out about this climb, beyond the gradients, and with a max of 12%, it’s not especially impressive.

The climb of Aston Hill is actually one of the biggest and toughest in the Chilterns, because you it's only part of a larger climb. You have to climb one of the three possible approaches to get to the foot of it, and all the approaches are climbs in their own right.

The total climb to the top of Aston Hill is about 135m, on a par with Whiteleaf and Kingston, but not quite as steep. My 4 star rating is on the basis of having done one of the approach climbs first. Stablebridge Rd starts at the lowest point but has traffic lights at the canal bridge and then you have to turn out onto the B4009; the one from Wendover direction is somewhat discontinuous; but the one from Tring makes it a good continuous climb without obstacles.

The climb goes up through woodland, and there are views from the higher parts in the winter when the trees are bare, but not much at other times. However, once you go over the top it's all very pleasant, especially when the hedges have been cut and you can see over them to the east.

You can push on the complete the "Wendover 4k" Strava segment, starting at the Wendover Woods vehicle exit and finishing at the green in Cholesbury - a 2％ downhill segment with a couple of short uphill bits, that is really fun to ride.