Top 5 Favorite Climbs Near Portsmouth:

1. Old Winchester Hill (Hayden Lane). This is a great climb, turn off from the A32 in Warnford and the road takes you sharply up through some trees before a short descent leading into a gradual climb where the trees open out exposing great views of the downs as you climb your way to the top. Don't forget to stop at the coffee van near the top.

2. Long Harting (B2141, heading east). This is a more challenging climb averaging just under 11% for just over 850m. The climb takes you out of the little village of South Harting. Heading into the trees to hide the challenge that lies ahead. You take a left turn and then the gradient ramps up. The road surface is good. Find a rhythm and dig deep. The descent down the other side is worth the effort.

3. Little Switzerland (Heading northwest out of Petersfield). Steep at the bottom and draggy near the top. This is a good climb for putting in an effort or just cruising by on an easy ride, but it's always satisfying when you reach the top.

4. Harvesting lane (Butser Hill). This climb had to be on the list. It's the hardest climb in the area by a longshot, the 1km at 9.5% with gradients up to 17% doesn't do it justice, the gradient is constantly changing and the surface is horrible. You feel like your in the middle of no where and you can see the hill looming as make your way through the lanes. The road can be quite exposed to the weather which can add to the effort. When you reach the top be sure to stop and check the view. Being the tallest hill in the area the view lives up to expectations.

5. Portsdown Hill (B2177 from QA hospital to the roundabout). Heading out of Cosham turn left at the lights and head up the hill past the hospital as the road bears around to the left you can see what you're faced with. The road is sort of undulating, you can use the little plateaus to build your momentum into the steeper ramps. Its over before you know just give it the beans.

Thanks for reading my favorite climbs near Portsmouth; be sure to let me know your favorites.