By kazimladimeji 
Selsley Hill, Stroud was on Stage 5 of the Tour of Britain in 2016; the stage ran from Aberdare to Bath, and was won by Jack Bauer in 4 hours 45 minutes and 25 seconds. It’s not the hardest climb in the area, but due to its previous inclusion in the UK’s Blue Riband cycling race, it’s on the hit list of many Strava Segment Hunters. It still packs some punch, particularly the steep, windy narrow section between the first left turn and the Bell Pub. According to Strava, it’s about 2K long, 151 metres of elevation, averaging 7.6% gradient. Surprise, surprise, Andrew Feather is the current record holder/Strava KOM at just over 5 minutes. Kudos to him.
It’s not my favourite climb as a cyclist as it can be traffic-heavy, the first half is in tight, winding built-up areas, and get’s very narrow at points. Still, I have done this climb over 10 times, mainly due to its Tour of Britain status, and recently did it on Sunday September 12 for a benchmarking run as I had replaced my old Panaracer Protite Ribmo Touring tyres (which had proved to be bombproof and pretty nippy) with the well-touted Continental Grand Prix Four Season road tyres which have excellent puncture protection, which is great for Gloucestershire’s, often pot holey roads, but which are a bit grippier and quicker, which is more suitable for the riding I do.
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Continental Unisex's Grand Prix 4 Season Tyre, Black, 700 x 25 C | £58.85 |
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The official Strava segment starts on the first exit of the Dudbridge roundabout after the Sainsbury’s turn, going clockwise. The first section to the first left turn is about 300 to 400 metres climbing at about 4-7%. As you turn left and go through the single lane narrow section, the gradient kicks up sharply to about 10% or more for maybe 50 to 100 metres. If you are segment hunting, beware, as it get’s narrow and you may be faced with a queue of cars, waiting to get through. This happened to me on Sunday 12th, but I still managed to beat PR. But, this left me with unfinished business and I tried again on Sunday 19th and the road was thankfully clear and I was able to improve my PR accordingly.
As you turn right past the Bell Inn, Selsley on the left, the climb levels out a little to about 2 or 3 % for a couple of hundred metres, before kicking back up to 4-7% for as you hit the cattle grid and reach the edge of Selsley Common. There follow’s a 400 metre or so stretch at a steady 1-2% gradient, but it feels harder as my legs are spent by then. There is a sting in the tail at the end of this stretch as you turn right up to Selsley Common proper, (where the parking areas are) as it winds up to about 7% for 200 metres or so, before dropping down to a graceful 2% as for a few hundred metres until you reach the crest.
I have filmed the Stage 5 – Tour of Britain 2016 section on the headcam using this VEMONT Full HD 2.0 Inch bicycle helmet cam so you can get a perspective of the climb.
It’s an entry-level camera and there are probably better options for doing this, but I wanted something affordable as I am starting out.
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VEMONT Full HD 2.0 Inch Action Camera 1080P 12MP Sports Camera Action Cam Underwater 30m/98ft Waterproof Camera and Mounting Accessories Kit for Diving/Bicycle/Climbing/Swimming etc |
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Apexcam 4K 60FPS Action Camera EIS 20MP WiFi 40M Underwater Waterproof Ultra HD Sport Camera 170° Wide Angle 2.4G Remote Control Support External Mic 2x1350mAh Rechargeable Batteries Accessory Kit |
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To ensure a proper workout, we normally keep pushing on all the way to Coaley Peak a few miles up the road at the Nympsfield Turn. This section of the ride goes through Penn Wood and so it’s head down and grind as the views aren’t great. But, when you reach Coaley Peak, you’ll find a great snack stop with fantastic views across the Severn Vale to the Forest of Dean. If you’re not ready to stop yet, both Lampern Hill and Owlpen Hill are within 10 minutes ride or the iconic Frocester Hill is within 5 minutes. Riding with Matt today we pushed on and did Lampern Hill, (1.6K and 150 metres elevation) and then swung back round passing through Cockadilly and down Frocester Hill to the The Frocester George for an intended coffee (which became a beer) and rendezvous with Tony.
Alternately, if you are on your gravel bike or hybrid you can detour onto Selsley Common and join up with the Cotswold Way at Penn Wood, an offroad trail which you can follow all the way to Coaley Peak I believe. Although I haven’t personally done this route, I have been informed by Matt, who likes a bit of off-road that you need to negotiate two gates and that the off-road trail has a few more contours than the adjacent road, but with some navigation, you’ll get to Coaley Peak.