Bowland Knotts: Cycling Climb

The climb

About Bowland Knotts

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Simon Warren’s Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

The northern approach to Bowland Knotts starts near Clapham and climbs south towards the moorland above. At about 7.4 kilometres, this is an ascent with room to develop slowly. The opening is gentle and broken by easier stretches, giving little indication of how long the higher road will keep rising. As the climb progresses, more definite gradients replace that tentative beginning, and the exposed landscape becomes an increasing part of the effort.

The road does not rise at one consistent pitch. A further easing before the last section interrupts the work, then the closing ascent asks for renewed effort towards the crest. The open setting leaves the wind free to influence how demanding those modest gradients feel, while views of the surrounding fells widen the ride's scale. Bowland Knotts is a long approach to high ground, best remembered for its changing rhythm and the space around the road.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 127 m · Summit 421 m

Gradient by distance7.44 km / 316 m gain

0 km1.5 km3 km4.5 km6 km7.4 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

8.3%

Where to find it

5.90–6.40 km from start

Net height gained: 42 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb7.44 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 7.44 km
Elevation gain: 316 m
Average gradient: 3.9%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 127 m
Summit elevation: 421 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

25 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 17.7 km/h

Based on the 7.44 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