Glengarry: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Glengarry

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Simon Warren’s Cycling Climbs of Scotland

West of Invergarry, the A87 lifts you out of the Great Glen and into the country above Loch Garry. This is a broad, gradual ascent, with woodland around the lower road and a growing sense of height as the valley falls away. The climb covers 6.8 kilometres at an average of 3.8%, a combination that leaves room to settle into a rhythm without making the effort disappear.

The opening part gains height a little more quickly than the middle, though the road keeps rising towards the finish. There is no single decisive wall to define the ride; its character comes from the accumulated work and the widening Highland setting. Loch Garry gives the journey a geographical anchor as the road works west towards the hills. A measured climb, best appreciated as part of a longer passage through this landscape.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 88 m · Summit 345 m

Gradient by distance6.78 km / 257 m gain

0 km1.4 km2.7 km4.1 km5.4 km6.8 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

6.3%

Where to find it

1.70–2.20 km from start

Net height gained: 32 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb6.78 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 6.78 km
Elevation gain: 257 m
Average gradient: 3.8%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 88 m
Summit elevation: 345 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

21 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 19.1 km/h

Based on the 6.78 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