Caper Hill: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Caper Hill

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Simon Warren’s Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

Caper Hill takes a direct south-westerly line up the North York Moors hillside, with little distance available to soften the height gain. At about 1.3 kilometres and an average gradient around fourteen per cent, it is a substantial ascent despite its compact outline. The road's gentle bend does little to break the sense of climbing straight up the slope. Progress is measured in small advances, with the gradient remaining the main feature ahead.

The upper part offers some easing, but the change is modest rather than a transformation into an easy finish. Most of the road keeps the effort concentrated, so the climb's character comes from continuity as much as its steepness. There is no need for an elaborate sequence of hairpins or a long approach to make the bank feel significant. Caper Hill is a short, direct encounter with the hillside, retaining its demanding pitch almost to the end.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 181 m · Summit 370 m

Gradient by distance1.34 km / 190 m gain

0 km0.3 km0.5 km0.8 km1.1 km1.3 km

02 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 1.34 km
Elevation gain: 190 m
Average gradient: 14.1%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 181 m
Summit elevation: 370 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

12 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 6.6 km/h

Based on the 1.34 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