Bishop's Wood: Cycling Climb

The climb

About Bishop's Wood

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Simon Warren’s Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

Bishop's Wood is a short Cornish climb near Wadebridge, taking a largely direct line south-east along the stored approach. Its name belongs to a much sharper effort than the modest distance might suggest: roughly 550 metres at an average of 12.9%. The principal rise arrives early, with the road presenting the hillside plainly rather than disguising it behind a long series of bends.

That directness shapes the ride. There is little distance in which to forget the gradient, and progress is measured by the deliberate repetition of each pedal stroke. The profile then softens progressively, so the upper road feels more manageable than the severe opening. It is a useful contrast within such a small ascent, giving the finish a different rhythm from the lower slope. Bishop's Wood has the compact proportions of a local hill and the distinct character of a much tougher one.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 17 m · Summit 87 m

Gradient by distance0.55 km / 70 m gain

0 km0.1 km0.2 km0.3 km0.4 km0.5 km

02 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 0.55 km
Elevation gain: 70 m
Average gradient: 12.9%
Climb category: Uncategorized
Start elevation: 17 m
Summit elevation: 87 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: 7.1 km/h

Based on the 0.55 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