Symonds Yat: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Symonds Yat

Collections

Simon Warren’s Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

Symonds Yat climbs south from the lower Wye Valley into the wooded hillside. This stored approach covers about 1.8 kilometres, taking in a gentler beginning and a much more demanding rise further along the road. The trees and narrow passage through the valley give it an enclosed character, with little of the expansive feel of an open moorland ascent.

The gradient refuses to become one simple, continuous effort. Easier stretches separate sharper rises, so the pedals move freely for a while before the road asks for something more deliberate. The upper portion of this segment still has substantial climbing in it; the finish should not be mistaken for the end of every uphill road around Symonds Yat. Its interest lies in those changes of effort and the way the wooded valley holds the road close. A compact ascent with more variety than its length suggests.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 37 m · Summit 149 m

Gradient by distance1.83 km / 126 m gain

0 km0.4 km0.7 km1.1 km1.5 km1.8 km

02 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 1.83 km
Elevation gain: 126 m
Average gradient: 6.1%
Climb category: 4
Start elevation: 37 m
Summit elevation: 149 m

Current weather

At the climb start

Loading weather…

Weather data: MET Norway

03 / 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

9 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 12.6 km/h

Based on the 1.83 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.

04 / On the ground