Wall of Talla: Cycling Climb

The climb · United Kingdom

About Wall of Talla

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Simon Warren’s Cycling Climbs of Scotland

At the far end of Talla Reservoir, the road turns away from the water and rises sharply onto the hillside. The opening gives the Wall of Talla its character: a short, steep change from the reservoir approach, with the road bending uphill before there is much chance to settle into a rhythm. The ascent is roughly 1.9 kilometres long, averaging about 8 per cent, but those figures smooth over the harder gradients near the start.

As height builds, the reservoir drops below the road and becomes part of the view back along the valley. An old stone bridge over Talla Water marks a change in the climb, with the gradient easing beyond it and the water slipping out of sight. There is still work to do on the upper ground, but the finish feels less abrupt than the opening. A small climb with a very clear identity.

01 / The ascent

Elevation profile

Start 298 m · Summit 455 m

Gradient by distance1.92 km / 157 m gain

0 km0.4 km0.8 km1.1 km1.5 km1.9 km

02 / The numbers

Climb statistics

Distance: 1.92 km
Elevation gain: 157 m
Average gradient: 8.2%
Climb category: 4
Start elevation: 298 m
Summit elevation: 455 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

11 min

Power throughout: 225 W
Average speed: 10.6 km/h

Based on the 1.92 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