Sutton Common Hill Climb

This is a 3.3 km point-to-point hill climb, gaining 216 metres from start to finish with no descent. It’s effectively one long, sustained effort, designed for a specific hill training session. The route runs from the edge of Sutton Reservoir up to the Telecoms Tower on the summit, so you have a clear target from the outset. There are no flat sections for recovery.

The surface is a mix of approximately 60% paved country lanes and 40% unpaved tracks and paths. Footwear needs some thought; standard road shoes will manage in dry summer conditions, but a pair with more grip would be better for the steeper, unpaved parts, particularly after rain. The climb begins as a steady incline, allowing you to settle into a rhythm before the gradient steepens significantly on the tracks closer to the top.

As a pure ascent, this is a test of leg strength and pacing. The telecoms tower serves as an obvious finish line. From the area around the tower you get an open view over the Cheshire countryside. This is a one-way route, so remember that your run finishes at the summit; you will need to plan your return leg back down to the start.