Knott Hill: Cycling Climb

The climb

About Knott Hill

Collections

Simon Warren’s Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

Knott Hill Lane climbs west from the Delph side of Saddleworth, gaining the high ground above the village in less than two kilometres. Its modest overall length disguises a changing effort: the lower road rises firmly, a slightly easier passage interrupts the work, and another stronger section follows before the slope begins to soften. The bends give the ascent more shape than a simple straight climb, turning your attention from the hillside ahead to the next piece of road.

The upper part is less demanding than the opening, so reaching the higher ground feels like a gradual release rather than a sudden summit. The selected route continues towards the hilltop roads without pretending to reach the nearby trig point. At roughly 6.7% overall, this is a substantial little climb rather than a relentless wall, with enough variation to make its short distance interesting.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 239 m · Summit 363 m

Gradient by distance1.84 km / 124 m gain

0 km0.4 km0.7 km1.1 km1.5 km1.8 km

02 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 1.84 km
Elevation gain: 124 m
Average gradient: 6.7%
Climb category: 4
Start elevation: 239 m
Summit elevation: 363 m

Current weather

At the climb start

Loading weather…

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

9 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 12.6 km/h

Based on the 1.84 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