Chequers from Little Boy’s Heath

This climb takes you past the main entrance to the Chequers estate, the British Prime Minister's country house (think Camp David, in US terms). In cycling terms, it represents the last part of a long gradual valley climb up from Great Missenden. Generally speaking, it's only when you get this far that things start to heat up a little, and groups that have been together all the way from Missenden may start to disintegrate as the gradient subtly increases.

That said, it's not much of a climb in its own right, but it does lead you to the foot of Lodge Hill, which climbs to the highest part of Coombe Hill, one of the best known Chiltern hills. If you're planning to go up Lodge Hill you probably won't be trying to ride your mates off your wheel on this approach climb past Chequers.

Lodge Hill is a beast, so be wary about taking it on unless physically prepared, and the difficulty only continues after the top as the road continues to Dunsmore village.

However, this climb passes through some of the most beautiful countryside in the Chilterns. It crosses the Ridgeway national trail at Buckmoorend, where there's also a farm shop / café selling basic fare, if you're ready for a stop.