Hartside Pass: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Hartside Pass

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Simon Warren’s 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

From Melmerby, the A686 climbs the western side of Hartside in a long series of sweeping bends. The Eden Valley opens behind the road as it gains the North Pennine hillside, and the scale of the surroundings grows with the height. This approach runs for about 7.7 kilometres at an average of 5.3%, giving it the measured rhythm of a substantial road climb without the abrupt ramps of many shorter British ascents.

The gradient remains broadly consistent as the road works higher, allowing the bends and the expanding view to mark progress. Towards the top, open upland replaces the more sheltered feel of the lower approach. The outlook back across the Eden Valley towards the Lake District is part of Hartside's appeal, but so is the ascent itself: a road whose length and shape let the effort settle. A satisfying climb on a generous scale.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 169 m · Summit 572 m

Gradient by distance7.68 km / 403 m gain

0 km1.5 km3.1 km4.6 km6.1 km7.7 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

6.7%

Where to find it

0.30–0.80 km from start

Net height gained: 34 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb7.68 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 7.68 km
Elevation gain: 403 m
Average gradient: 5.3%
Climb category: 2
Start elevation: 169 m
Summit elevation: 572 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

29 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 15.7 km/h

Based on the 7.68 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