Mancunians have been reminiscing about one of the city’s steepest and most memorable hills.
Jutland Street, in Piccadilly, has a shocking 33 per cent gradient — and has earned a reputation as ‘Heart Attack Hill’ among fitness fans.
It’s also claimed the pride of one car transporter driver, who got wedged on the descent back in 2015.
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Now, after the Manchester Evening News shed new light on the street’s new draw as a runners’ training paradise over lockdown, residents have been sharing their own memories on social media of the road.
“Aw happy memories,” Dianne Burnett said. “My dad used to take us there as kids in the car… just for the thrill of it.”
She also joked that it was ‘so much cheaper than a theme park’.
Bobbie Pin agreed with Dianne, saying: “Same here! The buzz we use to get going down bobbling along…”
Children are still enjoying travelling down the road, according to Catherine Smith.
She explained: “The best way to appreciate this hill is driving down it in a car.
“My sons used to love it when they were little, we called it driving off the edge of the world!
“Think it's because it's so unexpected in the centre of Manchester, when you first come across it. That and the combination of the cobbles make it quite unique!”
Before being called Jutland Street, it was known as Junction Street, and was the subject of an LS Lowry painting.
It’s also been the site of many learner drivers’ dreaded foe — the hill start.
Nikki Ashton was one of those who did manage to conquer the gradient.
She said: “Whilst learning to drive, I told my dad I could do hill starts no problem.
“So he took me to Jutland Street and made me do three on the way up, then turn round at the top and come back down again.
“Loved my driving lessons with my dad!”
Fortunately, the safety of cars has progressed somewhat over the years — with decades’ old cars turning into a makeshift roller coaster in the pre-seatbelt era.
That’s according to Sarah Robinson, who said: “My dad used to love driving us off the top of that when we were kids.
“It was before seat belts so we'd be up on the roof in the back!
“We asked him to do it in the old police minibus once... hilarious, surprised it stayed together!”
Do you remember going up or down Jutland Street as a child? Let us know in the comments
