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So, this is a bit of a weird one for me.

I've noticed for a while when I'm in any gear around 1000-2500 rpm (going up a hill, or in a high gear) and im accelerating the car feels like its "lunging" - almost as if what ever is making the car move is slipping for a second and it gains traction (its the only way i can describe it)

It only appears to be an issue when the car is "struggling" (so as mentioned above, a hill or in a high gear)

The worst one today was 2nd gear going up a steepish incline in that rev range and it "lunged around 4 times"

Any ideas as to what it could be?

Classic symptoms of clutch slip. Probably time for a new clutch.

Is there any way i can check for sure that it's the clutch?

Yes. See if it does what you say it is doing.

Seriously though it can only be clutch related so check that the release mechanism is operating as it should ie clearing completely.

Park on a hill then attempt to pull away in second, if the revs rise but the car does not accelerate proportionately it’s the clutch, there is no other part of the car that can cause those symptoms unless it is something really obscure and unlike anything I’ve encountered on a manual car in my 60 or so years building, mending and modifying cars.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.