Axe Edge: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Axe Edge

Collections

Simon Warren’s Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

Axe Edge follows the A53 out of the Burbage side of Buxton towards the moorland above the town. The selected climb stretches for about 3.8 kilometres, heading south and gaining height in stages. The early road gives way to a more insistent middle section, where the slope makes itself felt before the higher ground opens around you. An average of roughly 4.3 per cent suggests a relatively measured ascent, but the changes in gradient give it more character than a uniform drag.

Higher up, the road eases before a further rise towards the end. That interruption makes the final part feel distinct from the work below, with the open moorland replacing the town as the dominant setting. Wind can make a noticeable difference on this exposed ground, even where the gradient is modest. Axe Edge is a climb to appreciate for its transition into upland space as much as its physical demand.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 345 m · Summit 508 m

Gradient by distance3.78 km / 166 m gain

0 km0.8 km1.5 km2.3 km3 km3.8 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

7.3%

Where to find it

1.60–2.10 km from start

Net height gained: 37 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb3.78 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 3.78 km
Elevation gain: 166 m
Average gradient: 4.3%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 345 m
Summit elevation: 508 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

13 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 17.3 km/h

Based on the 3.78 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