Long Mountain: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Long Mountain

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Simon Warren’s Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

Long Mountain rises from Buttington, east of Welshpool, on the lane leaving the A458 at Welsh Harp Hollow. The lower road gives little away: hedges frame the climb and the first slopes are milder than those waiting higher up. Over 2.9 kilometres the ascent gains about 270 metres, but that effort is unevenly distributed. As the lane carries you away from the valley, the gradient builds rather than settling into a comfortable rhythm.

The hardest sustained work comes later, when the height gained over a short stretch makes the opening feel distinctly forgiving. There is some easing towards the finish, though the road is still rising. Higher ground brings a broader outlook beyond the enclosed lower lane; the recorded ascent ends at a road junction rather than continuing to Beacon Ring. It is a compact climb whose difficult part takes time to reveal itself.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 80 m · Summit 353 m

Gradient by distance2.89 km / 273 m gain

0 km0.6 km1.2 km1.7 km2.3 km2.9 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

15.7%

Where to find it

1.90–2.40 km from start

Net height gained: 79 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb2.89 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 2.89 km
Elevation gain: 273 m
Average gradient: 9.4%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 80 m
Summit elevation: 353 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

19 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 9.4 km/h

Based on the 2.89 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