Glen Loth: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Glen Loth

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Simon Warren’s Cycling Climbs of Scotland

Turning inland from the coast between Brora and Helmsdale, Glen Loth exchanges the shore road for a narrow ribbon of tarmac through the Sutherland hills. This is the south-side approach, following the glen northwards rather than climbing from Strath Kildonan. The open ground and the sweep of the valley give the ascent its character: a gradual departure from the coast, with the hills increasingly enclosing the road as it reaches the upper glen.

The climb is sustained rather than defined by a single decisive ramp. Its bends and changing slopes draw the effort out, while the shoulder of Beinn Dhorain gives the journey a clear geographical focus. Higher up, the road approaches the crossing towards the Helmsdale valley beyond. There is little need to dress it up as a dramatic mountain pass; the appeal lies in the unhurried progression through a spare, convincing Highland landscape.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 45 m · Summit 102 m

Gradient by distance7.62 km / 57 m gain

0 km1.5 km3 km4.6 km6.1 km7.6 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

3.7%

Where to find it

5.70–6.20 km from start

Net height gained: 18 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb7.62 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 7.62 km
Elevation gain: 57 m
Average gradient: 0.7%
Climb category: Uncategorized
Start elevation: 45 m
Summit elevation: 102 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

15 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 30.2 km/h

Based on the 7.62 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