Beacon Hill: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Beacon Hill

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Simon Warren’s Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

From West Runton, this Beacon Hill approach heads south towards the wooded high ground of the Cromer Ridge. The surrounding landscape combines woodland and heath, giving the road a different setting from the open fields often associated with Norfolk. The climb covers about 1.3 kilometres at an average of 5%, enough to make the ridge a noticeable part of the ride.

The gradient is not uniform. The middle section asks more than the opening, before the slope softens as the road approaches its upper end. That progression gives the ascent a clear shape without making it a severe undertaking. The trees keep the immediate setting close, while the broader ridge explains why this small stretch of road gains height so purposefully. Reaching the upper road gives the ascent a natural conclusion, with the harder middle already behind. A measured climb with a distinct local setting.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 41 m · Summit 106 m

Gradient by distance1.26 km / 64 m gain

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

02 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 1.26 km
Elevation gain: 64 m
Average gradient: 5.0%
Climb category: Uncategorized
Start elevation: 41 m
Summit elevation: 106 m

Current weather

At the climb start

Loading weather…

Weather data: MET Norway

03 / 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

5 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 15.6 km/h

Based on the 1.26 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.

04 / On the ground