There are 4 ways out of Crouch End (that I’m interested in), they go to Muswell Hill, Finsbury Park and Holloway. They all involve a hill of some sort and I’ve cycled them all.
Muswell Hill is the toughest, I’ve only been all the way up it 2 or 3 times, and each time its been close to breaking me. It’s definitely my least favourite hill, thankfully I only head up in that direction in summer when I want to visit the heath.
My most common route out is via Crouch End Hill, it’s shortish, but sharp – and even worse on the way back in, where it’s longish with a kick up at the end.
Crouch Hill I’ve only done once or twice and I’m quite happy to leave it at that thanks. It’s sharp!
Today I took a route I’ve only done once before, Ferme Park Road, it’s not bad going up, I was somewhat impeded by the regularity of the W3 barreling past, and I admit, I did stop at the top, ostensibly to unzip my jacket but actually to catch my breath. On the way back in however, much more manageable, my breath flowed easily, and I enjoyed the easy roll down the other side. I think I’ve found my new commuting route out of here.
