Gospel Pass: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Gospel Pass

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Simon Warren’s Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

Above Hay-on-Wye, the northern approach to Gospel Pass climbs into the open country beneath Hay Bluff. The recorded ascent starts on the hillside rather than in the town, taking in 4.7 kilometres and about 280 metres of climbing. Its early slopes are substantial, and the move out onto the open mountainside changes the scale of the ride. Ahead lies the pass between Hay Bluff and Twmpa, with the road a small feature in a broad upland landscape.

The effort becomes less concentrated after the opening, but the climb does not simply fade away. Gentler sections divide the remaining rises, and a final pull adds work after the easier upper stretch. That changing profile gives the ascent more variety than a single average gradient can convey. The finish belongs to the road crossing the Black Mountains, rather than either neighbouring summit. Gospel Pass combines a demanding start with a spacious, unhurried sense of arrival.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 280 m · Summit 553 m

Gradient by distance4.72 km / 279 m gain

0 km0.9 km1.9 km2.8 km3.8 km4.7 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

13.0%

Where to find it

0.10–0.60 km from start

Net height gained: 65 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb4.72 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 4.72 km
Elevation gain: 279 m
Average gradient: 5.8%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 280 m
Summit elevation: 553 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

20 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 13.9 km/h

Based on the 4.72 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