Hills can be difficult and really, you do what you have to do to get up there - if walking is it, so be it, absolutely no worries.

Still, a lot of times among riders and in clubs I keep hearing about some people being good climbers as if it were some mysterious or innate ability. Really it just comes down to fitness, persistance, and, simply numbers (p-w ratio).

I hadn't ridden in the mountains in a few weeks, where I'd been doing a lot or work indoors on the trainer and sprint training on the road. Then went out and easily set a PB on the biggest mountain in town. That just reflects an increase in fitness, nothing else.

Pace yourself properly, get (if you don't already have) the right gearing, and stick with it. There's no hill you can't climb with lots of work and determination.