Snaefell Mountain: Cycling Climb

The climb

About Snaefell Mountain

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Ramsey is the starting point for this ascent of the A18 towards Snaefell's high road. The climb covers 12.5 kilometres, but its length disguises a pronounced change of character. Most of the height is gained in the earlier part, as the road leaves the town and climbs through the lower bends. The opening is followed by a harder stretch before the gradient begins to soften on the approach to the mountain's open slopes.

Higher up, the road changes into a much gentler passage across upland ground. Small rises and dips replace the concentrated climbing below, so the final kilometres depend less on a sustained steep gradient. The selected route ends on the high road near the Brandywell junction, at about 420 metres; it does not ascend Snaefell's summit. That long transition from a firm climb to a rolling upper road is the defining experience, giving the ascent room to unfold beyond its hardest work.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 7 m · Summit 424 m

Gradient by distance12.48 km / 439 m gain

0 km2.5 km5 km7.5 km10 km12.5 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

12.2%

Where to find it

0.80–1.30 km from start

Net height gained: 61 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb12.48 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 12.48 km
Elevation gain: 439 m
Average gradient: 3.3%
Climb category: 2
Start elevation: 7 m
Summit elevation: 424 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

39 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 19.0 km/h

Based on the 12.48 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