Brown Carrick Hill: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Brown Carrick Hill

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Simon Warren’s Cycling Climbs of Scotland

Turn inland from the A719 near the Heads of Ayr and the road towards Brown Carrick Hill soon makes the coast feel a long way below. The ascent follows the hillside road before taking the access road towards the communications masts. At about 2.6 kilometres with an average gradient of 8 per cent, it packs a considerable climb into a short journey from the coastal road.

The lower approach brings you into the Carrick Hills, while the upper bends make the final gain in height more immediate. Open slopes around the masts offer an outlook over Ayr Bay and the coast, giving the climbing a clear reward close to the town. The road finishes in the mast area; the hill's true summit lies beyond it on foot. That distinction leaves plenty to enjoy on the bike, with a compact ascent and an upper setting that feels much broader than its distance.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 52 m · Summit 261 m

Gradient by distance2.60 km / 209 m gain

0 km0.5 km1 km1.6 km2.1 km2.6 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

12.1%

Where to find it

0.90–1.40 km from start

Net height gained: 61 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb2.60 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 2.60 km
Elevation gain: 209 m
Average gradient: 8.0%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 52 m
Summit elevation: 261 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

14 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 10.9 km/h

Based on the 2.60 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