An Teallach: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About An Teallach

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Simon Warren’s Cycling Climbs of Scotland

The road climb beneath An Teallach begins around Dundonnell and follows the A832 towards the high ground on the way to Braemore. It is a long departure from the head of Little Loch Broom, with the mountain providing the backdrop rather than the destination. The valley gives the opening miles a relatively gentle character, before the road begins gaining height more purposefully beside the Dundonnell River.

The ascent extends for about 12.8 kilometres, and its changing surroundings make that length feel like a journey. The more concentrated climbing comes through the middle of the route; around Fain Bridge the landscape opens into broad moorland, with further rises still ahead. The upper road offers a different rhythm from the enclosed valley below, trading steeper effort for the persistence of an exposed crossing. It is a climb whose interest grows with the distance, without needing a dramatic final wall.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 18 m · Summit 340 m

Gradient by distance12.84 km / 332 m gain

0 km2.6 km5.1 km7.7 km10.3 km12.8 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

Choose a distance to find the steepest continuous section of the climb.

Steepest 500 m average

9.5%

Where to find it

4.20–4.70 km from start

Net height gained: 48 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb12.84 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 12.84 km
Elevation gain: 332 m
Average gradient: 2.5%
Climb category: Uncategorized
Start elevation: 18 m
Summit elevation: 340 m

Current weather

At the climb start

Loading weather…

Weather data: MET Norway

04 / Your effort

How long would it take?

Enter the power you could hold for the whole climb. We calculate a moving time from the elevation profile and the forces you ride against.

Sustained power

W/kg

Use your intended climbing effort, rather than FTP unless you can hold it for the predicted duration.

Rider weight (kg)

Bike + kit weight (kg)

Bike + kit includes clothing, bottles and luggage.

Advanced settings

Defaults represent a road-bike scenario. Adjust these settings to match your tyres, drivetrain and riding position.

Effective drag area (CdA) (m²)

Rolling resistance (Crr)

Drivetrain efficiency (%)

Modelled moving time

35 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 22.3 km/h

Based on the 12.84 km elevation profile. Assumes steady power, with no stops, braking or drafting. Rounded to the nearest minute.

The science behind the calculation

For each part of the stored profile, we solve the steady-state cycling power equation for speed, then add distance ÷ speed across the climb. Gravity uses rider + equipment weight; available power is W/kg × rider weight. This uses the profile’s distance and elevation together, without mixing in another route’s metrics.

Power × efficiency = gravity + rolling resistance + air resistance + bearing losses

The resistance equations are adapted from Martin et al. (1998), Validation of a Mathematical Model for Road Cycling Power. Air density changes with profile altitude using NASA’s standard-atmosphere model. This calculator’s adaptation has not been independently validated.

It predicts travel at the power you enter, including on descents. It does not model acceleration, cornering, braking, traffic, wind, changing weather or fatigue. At altitude, choose power you can sustain there: thinner air reduces drag, but this model does not predict its effect on your ability to produce power. Profile quality and assumed equipment settings also affect the result.

05 / On the ground