If you live in the south east and haven’t been to Leith Hill, then you are missing out on the best terrain around. Nearly 1000 ft high, rude downhills [what? – Ed], extreme off path deer trails, great views, tea shop + cakes at top. Pub in village serves top brews. Neat quarry area. What more do you need?

Hardcore climbers can start from the turning into South Holmwood after the (3rd on left I think) Beare Green roundabout. Otherwise drive up to the pub on Leith Hill and ride up towards the cricket pitch. Basically if you head towards the tower (munchies available at the weekend) it’s a fairly gnarly climb, but quite rooty and technical. If you head on from the tower you are in for an awesome downhill. Go straight across the road when you get to it, it just gets better. You’ll love the gulley section, just watch out for the waterbars, cos if you get too much air you’ll end up off trail. My mate tried to follow me on his hardtail and ended up with harshly bruised ribs and stinging nettle rasih so bad you could see normal skin on his arms. Unfortunately, youl have to work your way back up, but when you get back to the road go left. Watch for a path behind a knackered fence on the right. It leads to a quarry area, with a phat bombhole up on the right. I’d just coast it the first time as the landing drops away harshly. I’ve seen cranks end up way off parallel from one jump so watch it. Also look for the stoopid drops in the quarry. I JUST DARE YOU!

Have fun

Ian