SHELSLEY WALSH
Alex Summers on the start line during a British Hill Climb Championship event
Shelsley Walsh was first used on 12th August 1905, when the Midland Automobile Club had to find an alternative venue to Sun Rising Hill near Stratford upon Avon. The Club has run Hill Climbs here ever since, bringing national and international motorsport to the heart of the Teme Valley, with only two World Wars and the COVID-19 pandemic interrupting a continuous 120-year history of competition.
The track is notoriously steep compared to other Hill Climbs in the UK, rising almost 100m( 328 feet) over its length, with the steepest section being 1 in 6. It is also a very quick ascent, where power is paramount, with the current record of 22.37 seconds set by Sean Gould in August 2021.
Competing Categories
A typical Hill Climb meet involves everything from small capacity road cars to contemporary single-seater racers. At the Vintage and Motorcycle meetings in July, pre-war cars and motorcycles get their chance to take to the hill too, while the Classic Nostalgia event involves F1, NASCAR and WRC machinery.
Revolution- July 2025
The venue has held a round of the British Hill Climb Championship ever since its inauguration in 1947, and currently hosts two rounds, in June and August, plus several Club events, and its own Classic Nostalgia festival in July.
Under-16s are given free entry, making it a great affordable day out for the family. The barn at the heart of the paddock hosts arts and crafts activities for little fans, and there are plenty of other attractions sure to keep them occupied … including an ice cream van!
Get on track
Shelsley Walsh has various of events during the year that allow people to take their own road car up the hill. These include‘ Chill on the Hill’ and the popular‘ Driving School’ days, where participants receive tuition from experienced drivers. Those wanting more competitive events can try the Midland Automobile Club’ s Sunrise Speed Championship, which has classes for all types of cars.
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