McBain’s Hill: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About McBain’s Hill

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Simon Warren’s Cycling Climbs of Scotland

McBain’s Hill turns inland from the Loch Ness side of the countryside south of Inverness. The road heads south and then south-east, gaining height away from the lower ground near Scaniport. At 3.2 kilometres, it is a manageable length to understand at a glance, though that does not make the climb a uniform effort.

The lower portion accounts for most of the rise, with the road gaining height more quickly before the gradient eases nearer the finish. An average of 5.5% gives a useful outline, but the change between those parts is what shapes the ride: the opening demands more attention, while the later road offers a less insistent continuation. It is a climb on the inland side of the Loch Ness landscape, rather than a ride along the water. Its appeal lies in that simple movement from low ground to a higher road, with a gentler ending to the work.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 65 m · Summit 239 m

Gradient by distance3.17 km / 174 m gain

0 km0.6 km1.3 km1.9 km2.5 km3.2 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

8.2%

Where to find it

0.70–1.20 km from start

Net height gained: 41 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb3.17 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 3.17 km
Elevation gain: 174 m
Average gradient: 5.5%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 65 m
Summit elevation: 239 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

13 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 14.9 km/h

Based on the 3.17 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