Sky and British Cycling have revealed this week the UK’s top ten perfect hills to cycle down, after a nationwide search throughout the summer, helped by the British public.

The search and celebration of Great Britain’s best-loved hills was launched back in May, at the start of Sky Ride 2011 – a national campaign to get one million people cycling regularly by 2013.

Backed by multiple world and Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy, the nationwide search saw hundreds of hills submitted from all over the UK vying for the title via the Sky Ride Facebook page.

Winchester Old Hill

A panel of three judges including Sir Chris Hoy, Editor of the Lonely Planet Cycling Guide, Etain O’Carroll, and TV presenter Lorraine Kelly shortlisted the entries with help from British Cycling Ride Leaders. The judges took into consideration location, views, where the route takes them, historical significance and most importantly what the hill meant to the entrant and why it was their own personal Perfect Hill.

The UK’s top 10 in no particular order are as follows:

• Newlands Corner, Surrey

• Holme Moss, Yorkshire

• Silver Street, Lyme Regis

• Arthurs Seat, Edinburgh

• Blackstone Edge, West Yorkshire

• Rest and Be Thankful, Scotland

• Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

• Old Winchester Hill, Hampshire

• Ham Common, Richmond

• Ralph Allen, Bath

Cheddar Gorge, Somerset

Mickie Ness nominated Holme Moss in Yorkshire for the scale of the challenge and the fact that the descent was the scene for an exhilarating ride after his successful bid to lose over 100kg in weight.

This undulating ride is already popular with local cycling enthusiasts and know as one of the UK’s most infamous hill climbs

Mark Bleakley nominated Cheddar Gorge in Somerset for it’s stunning landscape.The historic gorge, packed with flora and fauna, has a spectacular setting and after an 11km ride to reach its peak, you are rewarded with exhilarating ride back down between dramatic limestone cliffs.

Sky Ride Ambassador Lorraine Kelly explained why she thinks these locations mean so much to cyclists.  “Ranging from childhood memories, marriage proposals to weight loss and speed trials, whatever the reason, it’s great to know that Great British hills evoke so much passion in people, whatever their ability.”

What do you think of the list? Do you know a great cycling hill they may have they missed out? Share your thoughts in our comments section below.

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