Newbury Velo Hill Climb - Walbury Hill Challenge 2025
Sunday 28th September 2025 8am to 4pm (timings are approximate)
An Historic Tradition Meets Modern Inclusion
Each autumn, Newbury Velo members and cycling enthusiasts from across the region climb aboard their superlight climbing bikes to participate in one of cycling's most cherished spectacles – our annual Walbury Hill Climb. As the seasons change and golden leaves carpet Berkshire's country lanes, this quintessentially British race format brings together our cycling community in celebration of grit, determination, and the simple joy of conquering gravity!
While hill climbs have changed little since their inception in 1886, Newbury Velo has proudly carried this tradition forward on Walbury Hill – the highest natural point in Southeast England. Our event honours the heritage of this unique discipline while adding our own local character to the challenge. With gradients that test even the strongest legs and most determined minds, the Walbury Hill Climb has become a must-do autumn fixture for cyclists throughout the Home Counties.
For those new to our club or the sport, a hill climb takes the form of a short uphill time trial that demands everything from riders. The Walbury Hill course might not reach the 25% gradients of some northern climbs, but its steady ascent requires perfect pacing and pushes each participant in the quest for their fastest possible time.
Something for Everyone
Join us as we continue this proud tradition on Berkshire's crown – but with exciting new additions that make this year's event a truly inclusive celebration of cycling!The 2025 edition expands beyond our traditional hill climb to welcome riders of all ages and abilities:
Traditional Hill Climb Challenge: Test yourself against the clock on this classic test of power-to-weight ratio and mental fortitude
NEW! Junior Hill Climb: A shorter course specifically designed for young riders to experience the thrill of competition in a safe, supportive environment
NEW! British Cycling Limitless Event: Part of British Cycling's initiative to make cycling accessible to all, with adapted equipment and support available
RETURNING! Silly Category! : Bring your Grafters & Choppers, cruisers, shoppers, or anything with wheels for our fun-filled novelty category that brings a smile to this serious discipline
A Festival Atmosphere
More than just a race, our Hill Climb has evolved into a community cycling festival. Spectators will line the route to cheer on participants from elite racers to first-timers, creating the unique atmosphere that makes hill climbing special.
Food vendors, mechanical support, and cycling exhibitors will be on site throughout the day, making this a perfect day out for families and cycling enthusiasts alike.
Join the Challenge
Whether you're chasing a personal best, introducing your children to competitive cycling in a supportive environment, participating in the Limitless event, or simply wanting to tackle Walbury Hill on a chopper just for laughs, this event celebrates the joy of cycling in all its forms.
Registration opens soon. Follow Newbury Velo's social media channels for updates and early bird entry opportunities!
The Pain and the Glory
The pride of conquering Walbury Hill is etched on every rider's face as they reach the summit. Year after year, Newbury Velo members and visitors alike push themselves to new limits on this challenging ascent, with each grimace telling its own story of determination.
What makes our hill climb truly special is the incredible atmosphere created by the Newbury Velo community. Club members, families, and local cycling enthusiasts line the steepest sections of Walbury Hill, creating a corridor of encouragement that's become legendary in Berkshire's cycling scene. The distinctive sound of cowbells echoes across the hillside as spectators cheer on every participant, from course record contenders to first-timers, creating that wall of sound that can give tired legs the extra push they need.
The pre-race ritual of bike preparation has become something of a spectacle itself at our event. Newbury Velo's most dedicated hill climbers can be spotted removing every non-essential component—water bottle cages, unnecessary bar tape, all to shave those precious seconds off their time. Some have been known to spend the weeks before the event calculating the perfect weight-to-power ratio, debating tire pressures, and planning their optimal line up Walbury's testing slopes!
Registration Options
CTT Open Event
Challenge yourself in our officially sanctioned Cycling Time Trials competition on the full Walbury Hill course. This event follows all CTT regulations and is perfect for serious hill climbers looking to test themselves against the clock and fellow competitors on Berkshire's highest point. Results count toward national rankings and course records.
British Cycling Go-Ride Event
Join our inclusive Go-Ride event featuring categories for club riders, British Cycling Limitless participants, junior cyclists, and our fun novelty division. This friendly competition welcomes riders of all abilities and bike types, from first-timers to experienced cyclists. Perfect for those wanting to experience the thrill of hill climbing in a supportive community atmosphere.
Check our the Course
The course is officially called HCC020a - catchy, don’t you think! QWe/ve ceated a user friendly Ride with GPS course for thiose that want to downloadit, try it, or train on it.
