Edinburgh hills, where are they?

thefosterkid
thefosterkid Posts: 33
edited January 2014 in Training, fitness and health
I've entered the Fred Whitton again this year and also moved to Edinburgh. This presents a little problem... I don't know where any harsh climbs are to climb. Training in the Yorkshire Dales last year at least befitted me some belters coming out of Hawes over Buckden (check TDF stage one route).

Can anyone recommend some rides where I can get a LOT of challenging hills in.

Comments

  • Achamore
    Achamore Posts: 34
    Try Arthur's Seat -
    Acha
  • thefosterkid
    thefosterkid Posts: 33
    I knew i should have said 'other than Arthurs Seat'

    I'm wanting to get some long rides of 100m + but want plenty of really short sharp climbs (25/30% inclines) - was hoping people might know of a good direction to head or some more local harsh climbs that can be included into a ride.

    Arthur's seat is a good place to train, but not really what i'd call steep.
  • glasgowbhoy
    glasgowbhoy Posts: 1,341
    You want to be heading out of the city south towards the hills. The borders area provides some excellent climbs that are similar in terrain to a lot of what you will face in the FW. The Lammermuirs are a good starting point
  • thegreatdivide
    thegreatdivide Posts: 5,807
    Put the bike in the car and head North

    http://www.strava.com/segments/cairn-o- ... uth-620890
    http://www.strava.com/segments/lecht-rd-climb-1040221

    Or head over to Aberfeldy and ride both sides of Glen Quaich aka the UK’s Mortirolo.
  • markhewitt1978
    markhewitt1978 Posts: 7,614
    Take a look at the Evans Ride It event starting from Callendar, the event itself is sold out but you can use the map of the route to get a good idea of some routes.
  • thefosterkid
    thefosterkid Posts: 33
    Glasgowbhoy wrote:
    You want to be heading out of the city south towards the hills. The borders area provides some excellent climbs that are similar in terrain to a lot of what you will face in the FW. The Lammermuirs are a good starting point

    Just googled that area. Looks wicked. Thanks
  • andyrr
    andyrr Posts: 1,823
    If you don't want to chuck the bike in the car to get further afield then certainly the Lammermuirs are the way to go. Could head for Talla, not far from Moffat / Peebles or instead head SE towards Duns and go out through Gifford and up and over Redstaine Rigg and then you could continue South for Whiteadder Reservoir or you could even loop around Duns and come back over Whiteadder if you really wanted a tough route. From Musselburgh to the top of the 'Rigg it feels as if you're hardly dropping down at all - it covers some pretty grippy roads to say the least.
    Our club's Audax (Musselburgh RCC) - unfortunately not on this year :( takes in a 100kn route from Musselburgh, up through Gifford, the 'Rigg then Dunbar and meanders back through Spott and Haddinton - it is a tough 100kms.
  • Hawmaw
    Hawmaw Posts: 124
    Head west to the area between Bathgate and Linlithgow known locally as the Bathgate Alps. Not quite Alpine but loads of steep climbs crammed into a relatively small area. Lots of country roads which can be looped together to make a decent ride. Search "Bathgate Alps" and you'll get more info ...
  • Maxxypriest
    Maxxypriest Posts: 231
    andyrr wrote:
    If you don't want to chuck the bike in the car to get further afield then certainly the Lammermuirs are the way to go. Could head for Talla, not far from Moffat / Peebles or instead head SE towards Duns and go out through Gifford and up and over Redstaine Rigg and then you could continue South for Whiteadder Reservoir or you could even loop around Duns and come back over Whiteadder if you really wanted a tough route. From Musselburgh to the top of the 'Rigg it feels as if you're hardly dropping down at all - it covers some pretty grippy roads to say the least.
    Our club's Audax (Musselburgh RCC) - unfortunately not on this year :( takes in a 100kn route from Musselburgh, up through Gifford, the 'Rigg then Dunbar and meanders back through Spott and Haddinton - it is a tough 100kms.

    Agree with Andyrr

    Via Gifford to Redstone Rigg then to Duns and back is a good climbing ride and that loop from Edi will take you to 100 miles

    You can also do Garvald to Whiteadder up Nunraw again is a decent climb
  • thefosterkid
    thefosterkid Posts: 33
    Hawmaw wrote:
    Head west to the area between Bathgate and Linlithgow known locally as the Bathgate Alps. Not quite Alpine but loads of steep climbs crammed into a relatively small area. Lots of country roads which can be looped together to make a decent ride. Search "Bathgate Alps" and you'll get more info ...

    I believe the Ronde ride i went on today did this! Some nice little climbs out there!

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