Bealach Udal: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Bealach Udal

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Simon Warren’s Cycling Climbs of Scotland

From Kylerhea on Skye's eastern shore, the road to Bealach Udal climbs away from the narrow water separating the island from the mainland. The ascent begins close to the ferry landing and soon leaves the lower houses behind. A single-track lane works up through the hillside, steadily lifting the view back towards the strait and the mountains beyond. The sea-level setting makes the change of height especially tangible.

Over roughly 3.9 kilometres, the climb averages around 7.1%, making this a more substantial effort than its length alone suggests. There are easier passages within the ascent, but enough steeper climbing to keep the upper road from becoming a simple continuation of the start. Near the top, the lane cuts across rocky ground, with the drop beside the road adding to the feeling of exposure. It is a compact and memorable crossing, with much of its character supplied by the water left below.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 6 m · Summit 282 m

Gradient by distance3.89 km / 276 m gain

0 km0.8 km1.6 km2.3 km3.1 km3.9 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

12.7%

Where to find it

3.00–3.50 km from start

Net height gained: 64 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb3.89 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 3.89 km
Elevation gain: 276 m
Average gradient: 7.1%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 6 m
Summit elevation: 282 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

19 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 12.2 km/h

Based on the 3.89 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