Ewden Bank: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Ewden Bank

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Simon Warren’s Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

Ewden Bank climbs north from Ewden Beck, on the southern side of the Stocksbridge area. In about a kilometre, the road gains the hillside through a sequence of bends that quickly brings the gradient to your attention. The opening leaves little doubt about the ascent's character: this is a short climb with a substantial demand, where the turning road and steep slope work together to interrupt an easy rhythm.

There is a modest reduction in gradient partway up, but it offers only a limited pause before the bank steepens again. The upper bend carries you towards Thorpe's Brow, with the main effort still close enough to remain in the legs. The road's changing line gives each section a slightly different feel without turning the climb into a series of separate efforts. Ewden Bank is brief on the map and sustained in the riding, with few easy metres to spare.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 192 m · Summit 321 m

Gradient by distance0.99 km / 130 m gain

0 km0.2 km0.4 km0.6 km0.8 km1.0 km

02 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 0.99 km
Elevation gain: 130 m
Average gradient: 13.1%
Climb category: 4
Start elevation: 192 m
Summit elevation: 321 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

8 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 7.3 km/h

Based on the 0.98 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