Dunsmore Hill via Dunsmore Lane

This climb is notable for the four or five hundred metres where the gradients are in excess of 10%. I rode it on the first weekend in March with good weather, in the afternoon, meaning the road was moderately busy with drivers that had gone for a walk on Coombe Hill. I assume it’s typically much quieter.

I'm giving this one 3 stars - it's worth a detour due to what it offers up as a route. After the top as shown here there's a short sharp drop leading to a long pull up to Coombe Hill, arguably all part of the same climb. This top part makes it worth the effort of the Dunsmore climb, which in itself is nothing to write home about - a means to an end. The Dunsmore climb is narrow and becomes steep. Passing oncoming traffic may be tricky. No real views to speak of. You may be lucky enough to be there on the 4 Sunday afternoons of the year when Dunsmore church is serving teas - these ones are worth stopping for. There's usually an ice cream van at the Coombe Hill car park as well. But mainly, as I alluded, as a means of connecting Rocky Lane to the Chequers road, it's a good option, if tough.