Bealach Ratagan: Cycling Climb

The climb

About Bealach Ratagan

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Bealach Ratagan rises from the Shiel Bridge side of Loch Duich towards the road crossing to Glenelg. The lower slopes are wooded, and the narrow road quickly establishes the climb's close, winding character. As it works upwards through the bends, the loch falls farther below and the surrounding mountains begin to give the ascent a larger frame. This eastern approach is the side on which the road's succession of turns becomes a central part of the ride.

The climb runs for about 4.4 kilometres, averaging roughly 7.2%, with enough steeper ground to make those figures feel substantial. The middle and upper slopes demand more sustained work than the opening, while the thinning tree cover gives the views more room. Near the high viewpoint, effort and landscape come together particularly well. Ratagan is a concise mountain-road ascent, with a convincing change from enclosed woodland to the open country above Loch Duich.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 25 m · Summit 343 m

Gradient by distance4.44 km / 325 m gain

0 km0.9 km1.8 km2.7 km3.6 km4.4 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

17.3%

Where to find it

3.70–4.20 km from start

Net height gained: 86 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb4.44 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 4.44 km
Elevation gain: 325 m
Average gradient: 7.2%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 25 m
Summit elevation: 343 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

23 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 11.7 km/h

Based on the 4.44 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