Hale Lane from Wendover

Tough climb, but really enjoyed the length/intensity with a nice recovery after through the woods. As others have commented its very narrow. I came up on a sunday morning and encountered two cars where it was a proper squeeze to keep going and get around them. Could easily have been a foot down on the 14％ part.

I'm conflicted by Hale Lane, and I wasn't sure how to rate it, but if you're looking for tough, this is tough. The positives - the lower section has beautiful views to the surrounding woodland, and the climb itself is through that woodland and is always beautiful. It's steep enough to make it onto people's lists of classic Chiltern must-do climbs. But the negatives - the surface is bad, with broken tarmac and a ridge of stones down the middle. the sides of road are rutted or muddy. The road is narrow, and can be difficult even for a car and a bike to pass safely, depending on where you meet. Hale Lane does get used by cars, and it's unusual to not meet at least one car, or wider vehicle, while climbing. The drivers are always courteous, but when they're driving e.g. a horse box, it's going to be dangerous. So I've given it 4 stars based on the positives, and it is truly an awesome climb, but be aware of the negatives before you decide to take it on.