Kiln Bank Cross: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Kiln Bank Cross

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Simon Warren’s Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

The northern side of Kiln Bank Cross rises from the Duddon valley towards the pass above Broughton Mills. It is the shorter, steeper approach, distinct from the route climbing out of Broughton Mills itself. The opening is relatively restrained, but the road soon begins to gain height more decisively as it turns across the hillside. At about 1.8 kilometres, the ascent is brief enough for the strengthening gradient to dominate the experience rather than disappear into a long approach.

The main work comes through the middle and later slopes, with only a modest easing towards the selected finish. The road is narrow and the higher ground exposed, giving the climb a fell-road character despite its limited length. An average near 9.7% explains why this side feels substantial. The change from the valley to the open pass is its particular attraction: a compact crossing with little ceremony.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 87 m · Summit 261 m

Gradient by distance1.80 km / 174 m gain

0 km0.4 km0.7 km1.1 km1.4 km1.8 km

02 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 1.80 km
Elevation gain: 174 m
Average gradient: 9.7%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 87 m
Summit elevation: 261 m

Current weather

At the climb start

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Weather data: MET Norway

03 / 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

12 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 9.2 km/h

Based on the 1.80 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.

04 / On the ground