Lairig Nan Lunn Road: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Lairig Nan Lunn Road

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Simon Warren’s Cycling Climbs of Scotland

At Kenknock in Glen Lochay, the road towards Glen Lyon turns a gentle journey along the valley into a much more direct climb. The southern approach to Lairig Nan Lunn rises through a succession of switchbacks, pulling away from the glen floor into open hill country. The ascent is about 2.7 kilometres long and averages close to 10 per cent, so the bends offer changes of direction rather than much relief from the work.

The lower slopes account for most of the height gain, with the gradient easing as the road reaches higher ground. That transition is part of the attraction: the climbing becomes less insistent just as the surrounding hills begin to dominate the view. This steep approach leads towards the pass, with the crossing continuing beyond it into Glen Lyon. Its combination of tight bends and an open upper landscape makes it a memorable departure from the valley.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 227 m · Summit 488 m

Gradient by distance2.66 km / 261 m gain

0 km0.5 km1.1 km1.6 km2.1 km2.7 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

11.7%

Where to find it

0.80–1.30 km from start

Net height gained: 58 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb2.66 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 2.66 km
Elevation gain: 261 m
Average gradient: 9.8%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 227 m
Summit elevation: 488 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

17 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 9.3 km/h

Based on the 2.66 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