Great Dun Fell is the highest road in England and the best climb I’ve cycled up in the UK.

Perfection. Perfection is the only way to describe Great Dunfell. A car-free road up to the highest paved road in the UK at 2,750 ft. The first mile gives you a warm up at an average of 5%. But then it’s 3 1/2 miles to the summit at 9 12% into the first of many steep ramps. This is absolutely stunning. And you can see your final destination at the top, the large golf ball at the radar center. Another steep ramp. Open and go through the first of two gates. There are snow poles from here on out and into another steep ramp. Go around the bend and your legs get a breather on a short descent. The road slowly ramps back up again into the final mile and a half at an average of 11%. Another ramp maxing at 19%. You now start to go around the back of the mountain, another ramp, the longest one, and around the blind bend. This ramp continues. Now you can see over the other side of the mountain into the north penines and also see the golf ball again on the final push to the summit. You now come to the final gate, which you’ll have to walk around to then continue the final ramp. And you’ve made it to the top. Do a quick lap around the radar center and then enjoy the view before an epic descent.