Bealach na Ba: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Bealach na Ba

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You leave sea level with a sense of optimism that won’t last. The road rises gently at first, drawing you into the landscape, but the scale of what lies ahead soon becomes clear. There’s nowhere to hide here: no trees, no buildings, just a thin ribbon of tarmac climbing into the mountains and a wind that always seems to be in the wrong direction.

The hairpins arrive late and demand respect. Each one lifts you higher into the open, legs heavy, breathing loud, doubts growing. When you finally crest the summit, the relief is physical and emotional. This is not a climb you conquer quickly — it’s one you endure, and remember.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 10 m · Summit 636 m

Gradient by distance9.19 km / 626 m gain

0 km1.8 km3.7 km5.5 km7.4 km9.2 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

14.3%

Where to find it

7.30–7.80 km from start

Net height gained: 72 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb9.19 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 9.19 km
Elevation gain: 626 m
Average gradient: 6.8%
Climb category: 2
Start elevation: 10 m
Summit elevation: 636 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

45 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 12.4 km/h

Based on the 9.19 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