Gammalt: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Gammalt

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Simon Warren’s Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

Gamallt is a short westward rise on the upland road beyond Devil's Staircase, reached from the Abergwesyn side. The open hills make this short bank feel distinct from the surrounding valley road, where a small distance can conceal a sharp change of level. The recorded ascent covers just 900 metres and gains about 80 metres. Its compact size makes the shape especially important: most of the climbing is packed into the first part.

The opening is already firm, and the next stretch is harder still. Through the middle the effort remains substantial before the road begins to relent decisively. The final portion adds very little height, giving a welcome chance to turn the pedals more freely after the steep bank. There is no long summit grind here, just a brief rise that spends its difficulty early. In this rolling upland setting, Gamallt is a small climb with a clear beginning and a notably gentler conclusion.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 317 m · Summit 397 m

Gradient by distance0.90 km / 79 m gain

0 km0.2 km0.4 km0.5 km0.7 km0.9 km

02 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 0.90 km
Elevation gain: 79 m
Average gradient: 8.8%
Climb category: Uncategorized
Start elevation: 317 m
Summit elevation: 397 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: 9.9 km/h

Based on the 0.90 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