Cow and Calf – Simon Warren Cycling Climbs of Yorkshire
- SW Rating: 4/10
- Wheelygood Rating: Easy
- Length: 1.28 miles
- Avg. gradient: 8%
- Category: 4
- Strava Segment: https://www.strava.com/segments/19513688
- Route: https://www.plotaroute.com/route/1046988
- Parking: There is plenty of public car parking space in Ilkley
Once you’ve finished tea and cake at Betty’s in Ilkley, you can climb on your bike and burn them all off again. Doesn’t that sound good?
Initially, though, it doesn’t feel all that promising – the early part of the climb is pretty gentle and serves, essentially, as a glorified warm up. It does get steeper and a bit harder, but not all that much. You can see the road stretch away into the distance, dead straight and, before long, things ramp up a bit and you hit your first stretch in double digits. This, also, is mainly an aperitif as things calm down again for the mini-roundabout and, form there, out to the edge of the town.
Once over the cattle grid things kick off properly as you take on the longest single ramp of the entire climb. It sits, mostly, in the 10% range, but there is some variance. What there isn’t, however, is shelter so if it’s windy then you could be in for a bit a slog from here. The road surface is decent enough that you’ll be able to keep rolling, but not so good that you’ll feel like you’re floating. You may also find yourself at the head of affairs as far as the traffic is concerned too – it’s quite a busy road, this one. Fortunately, most people seem to have at least some patience when it comes to dealing with idiots who choose to cycle up here.
After a couple of hundred metres, the slope eases for a short period before kicking right back up again as the road bears right. This is the steepest section of the ascent and, as you round the bend you will begin to see the top of the pub. Yes, you’re almost there!
Another ramp and you’re at the pub, but not at the summit. Keep on going and you’ll see the crest in the near-distance as the road curves around to the left. It’s a mere blip of a single, final, drag and you’re done.
Great effort!
If there are any other road climbs you’d like me to take on, the more ridiculous the better, then please send me a message on my FaceBook page https://www.facebook.com/wheelygoodcycling/ or email me on wheelygoodmail@gmail.com and let me know…
