Nought Bank Road: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Nought Bank Road

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Simon Warren’s Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

Nought Bank Road climbs south from the Pateley Bridge side of Nidderdale towards Guise Edge and the higher moorland. The selected ascent runs for about 2.3 kilometres, with an average gradient close to nine per cent. The lower road carries much of the demand, gaining height through bends that keep changing your view of the slope. There is enough climbing here to make the valley seem distant before the ascent has reached its later stages.

The gradient becomes gentler as you progress, although the upper road still adds a meaningful amount of height. That gradual easing gives the climb a different shape from a hill with one final decisive ramp: the hardest work comes earlier, then the remaining distance asks for a steadier effort. The finish belongs to the higher ground above Nidderdale, leaving a clear impression of the hillside crossed rather than just the steepest section conquered.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 133 m · Summit 337 m

Gradient by distance2.31 km / 204 m gain

0 km0.5 km0.9 km1.4 km1.8 km2.3 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

13.0%

Where to find it

0.60–1.10 km from start

Net height gained: 65 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb2.31 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 2.31 km
Elevation gain: 204 m
Average gradient: 8.8%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 133 m
Summit elevation: 337 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

14 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 10.1 km/h

Based on the 2.31 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