Tak Ma Doon Road: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Tak Ma Doon Road

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Simon Warren’s Cycling Climbs of Scotland

The climb out of Kilsyth on Tak Ma Doon Road soon exchanges the town for the southern slopes of the hills. Heading north, the road rises through wooded ground before reaching the more open country around its upper viewpoint. The ascent is about 4 kilometres long, with an average gradient of 6 per cent: enough climbing to make the change in landscape feel earned, without reducing the whole route to a single steep pitch.

The bends divide the effort into distinct stretches, and the woodland initially keeps the wider surroundings out of sight. Higher up, the hillside opens and the outlook becomes part of the reason to ride here. The viewpoint belongs to this upper section; the road's onward crossing continues beyond the ascent described here. Tak Ma Doon works well as a climb in its own right, with a clear transition from the edge of Kilsyth to the hills above.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 81 m · Summit 324 m

Gradient by distance4.05 km / 243 m gain

0 km0.8 km1.6 km2.4 km3.2 km4.0 km

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

9.5%

Where to find it

1.60–2.10 km from start

Net height gained: 47 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb4.05 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 4.05 km
Elevation gain: 243 m
Average gradient: 6.0%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 81 m
Summit elevation: 324 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

17 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 14.0 km/h

Based on the 4.05 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