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Looking for challenging climbs we set out from Penrith, first taking a turn towards Hartside Fell. A long steady climb, rising 400 meters over 7.9 kilometers, it was a solid test.

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From Hartside, we looped our way back, along the flats on local recommendations to test ourself against Britain's Highest Paved road, Great Dun Fell, or the Golf Ball as it's known.

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The dotting of snow poles either side of the road make a compelling case for the seriousness of the climb. The view of the Lakes District across the plain is matched only by the views across the Pennines at the summit.

By the time the tarmac runs out at the radar station, you've hit 848 meters above sea-level, and climbed all of 600 meters vertically. In that time, there are punishing lumps and gradients touching 20%, and prolonged sections at 15%.

Our second ride took us out and into the Lakes, and it lived up to its reputation as one of Britain's toughest places to ride.

From kilometre zero, rain fell. Rounding Ullswater and up Kirskstone Pass it continued. Two choices of descent from the top, we chose the Struggle into Ambleside.

Heading deeper into the steep sided valleys of the Lake District, we struck out towards Wrynose Pass. Touching 25% but not wavering much from 20%, at 2.5km, it's a hill climber's delight.

Reaching the top, you descend sharply, before being pitched against Hardknott Pass, one of the UK's most famed and toughest roads, with 30% hairpins sapping the legs.

Still hunting one final sweep of tarmac, we descended Hardknott and took on Wrynsose from the other side, before a quick pass of Brae Tarn and Langdale Valley.

With some of the UK's finest scenery and steepest roads, riding in the Lake District and Penines is not to be underestimated, but certainly to be enjoyed. Thanks to Russ Ellis for capturing our ride.