Killhope Cross: Cycling Climb

The climb

About Killhope Cross

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The selected ascent of Killhope Cross approaches Nenthead from the north-west before taking the road towards the high moorland east of the village. The selected route is about 5.2 kilometres long, and its lower slopes give an incomplete impression of what follows. Once the road leaves the village, stronger ramps and bends replace the easy opening. The changing gradient becomes a defining feature, with successive crests interrupting the view of the remaining ascent.

The upper half contains firmer climbing separated by flatter passages, so each apparent conclusion needs a little caution. Exposure increases as the greenery thins and the road carries you towards the county boundary at the pass. The final pull is shorter than the work already behind you, but remains a real climb. Killhope Cross is an ascent of stages: its length and repeated changes of effort matter more than a single average figure.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 363 m · Summit 609 m

Gradient by distance5.19 km / 262 m gain

0 km1 km2.1 km3.1 km4.1 km5.2 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

11.9%

Where to find it

4.00–4.50 km from start

Net height gained: 59 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb5.16 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 5.19 km
Elevation gain: 262 m
Average gradient: 4.8%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 363 m
Summit elevation: 609 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

22 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 14.0 km/h

Based on the 5.16 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