Unthank Bank: Cycling Climb

The climb

About Unthank Bank

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Simon Warren’s Another 100 Greatest Cycling Climbs

Unthank Bank climbs south out of the Stanhope side of Weardale, using tight lower hairpins to gain the hillside. The selected ascent runs for about three kilometres, but its first stages are the most concentrated. Trees conceal much of the road ahead, and the sequence of turns makes the steepness feel immediate. Once through those bends, a further hard rise continues the work before the gradient finally begins to relent.

The higher road offers a more regular climb. There is still distance and height to cover, though the slope becomes less abrupt and the setting more exposed. Wind can influence how much relief that change actually brings, particularly after the lower bank has already made its demand. The closing road eventually eases near the crest, completing an ascent with a clear progression from enclosed, turning steepness to steadier upland climbing. Unthank Bank gives its strongest impression early, then sustains the ride beyond it.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 204 m · Summit 389 m

Gradient by distance3.00 km / 186 m gain

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

02 / The crux

Where it gets difficult

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

Steepest 500 m average

14.5%

Where to find it

0.10–0.60 km from start

Net height gained: 72 m
Section length: 500 m

The whole climb3.00 km

0 kmFinish

03 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 3.00 km
Elevation gain: 186 m
Average gradient: 6.2%
Climb category: 3
Start elevation: 204 m
Summit elevation: 389 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: 13.3 km/h

Based on the 3.00 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