Climbing Hills: Tips for Conquering Scotland’s Toughest Climbs

Scotland’s landscape is a dream and a challenge in equal measure. With rolling glens, steep moorland roads, and brutally beautiful ascents, climbing is a key part of almost every ride. If you’ve ever cursed your way up the Crow Road, Glenshee, or the Duke’s Pass, you’re not alone — but you can get better at climbing. With the right training, technique, and mindset, you’ll start to embrace the hills instead of dreading them.
In this post, we’ll show you how to train smarter, ride smoother, and develop the legs (and lungs) to climb Scotland’s toughest roads like a mountain goat — or a Highland goat, in our case.

1. The Scottish Climbing Challenge
Let’s set the scene: Scotland’s climbs aren’t like the long, steady ascents you might find in the Alps. They’re often short, punchy, and inconsistent. One minute you’re spinning at 5%, the next you’re grinding at 14% around a blind bend — with a headwind and rain for good measure.

Common traits:
• Variable gradients: You need to shift gears quickly and adapt cadence.
• Rough road surfaces: Efficiency is key on bumpy tarmac.
• Weather exposure: Wind and rain make climbs even tougher.
To conquer them, you’ll need fitness, technique, and a plan.

2. Build Your Climbing Engine
Climbing well starts with the engine — your aerobic system. The stronger your cardiovascular base, the longer you can hold a steady pace uphill. But strength matters too: you need the torque to keep pushing when the gradient kicks up.

Key workouts:
• Long zone 2 rides: Build endurance and aerobic efficiency.
• Sweet spot intervals (88–94% FTP): Train sustainable power for long climbs.
• Hill repeats: Short, intense climbs done in sets to build strength.
• Low cadence work: Seated climbs at 60–70 RPM to simulate grinding sections.
Coach’s tip: Scottish hills reward steady pacing — not explosive efforts. Don’t burn all your matches at the bottom.

3. Master the Mental Game of Climbing
Climbing is as much a mental battle as it is physical. It’s easy to panic when your legs are screaming and the summit is out of sight. But with the right mindset, you can stay calm and keep pushing.
Mental strategies:
• Break the climb into chunks — focus on reaching the next bend or signpost.
• Repeat a mantra — “Smooth and strong” or “Just keep spinning.”
• Use the power of visualisation — picture yourself cresting the top with control.

4. Nail Your Technique: Sit or Stand? Spin or Grind?
Climbing well isn’t just about brute strength — it’s about riding smart.
Seated climbing:
• More efficient over long efforts
• Keeps heart rate lower
• Best for shallow gradients and sustained power
Standing climbing:
• Useful on steep ramps or to break up effort
• Requires core strength and balance
• Burns more energy, so use in bursts

Cadence choice:
• Aim for 75–90 RPM for most climbs
• On steeper climbs, cadence may drop to 60–70 — train for that range
Coach’s advice: Practice both seated and standing techniques in training. We often use drills that alternate every 30 seconds to develop fluid transitions.

5. Get Your Gearing Right — Or Regret It Later
Nothing ruins a climb like being over-geared. If you’re grinding at 50 RPM in your lowest gear, your knees — and morale — will suffer.
What to check:
• Rear cassette: Consider an 11–32 or even 11–34T for steeper climbs.
• Front chainrings: Compact (50/34) or sub-compact setups help spin easier.
• Bike fit: Make sure your position allows for relaxed breathing and efficient power transfer.

6. Train on the Real Thing (If You Can)
There’s no substitute for experience. Tackling real Scottish climbs helps you build not only fitness, but the tactical awareness needed to manage pacing and effort.
Iconic climbs to train on:
• Cairn o’ Mount: Long, exposed, and relentless
• Duke’s Pass: Winding, shaded, and scenic — great for pacing practice
• Tak Ma Doon Road: Punchy gradients and tight corners
• The Lecht: A true leg-breaker with Alpine-style hairpins

Can’t get to the hills?
We use virtual platforms like Zwift and TrainerRoad to simulate gradient changes and build climbing strength indoors — ideal for winter or midweek sessions.

7. Nutrition and Hydration for Climbs
You burn a lot more energy on climbs than flat roads. Climbing on empty leads to fade-outs and poor pacing.
Before the ride:
• Eat a carb-rich meal 2–3 hours ahead
• Stay well hydrated — even in cool Scottish weather
During the ride:
• Take in carbs regularly (30–60g per hour minimum)
• Sip small amounts of water or electrolyte drink throughout
• Time your gels or energy boosts before a tough climb, not during
Coach’s note: We teach clients how to fuel strategically — especially on long rides with multiple climbs. Knowing when and what to eat can make or break your performance.

8. Climbing During Events or Sportives
Climbing during an event is a different beast — you’re dealing with crowd dynamics, limited visibility, and potential fatigue from earlier efforts.
Race-day tactics:
• Don’t chase faster riders early on the climb
• Shift into easier gears before the slope kicks up
• Stay seated unless absolutely necessary
• Manage your breathing — deep, rhythmic inhales help reduce panic
If it’s a long climb: Start easier than you think. Most riders go too hard early, then crawl the final third.

9. Final Thoughts: Respect the Hill, But Don’t Fear It
Climbing in Scotland is part of the experience — it’s what makes our roads both challenging and unforgettable. You won’t become a climbing machine overnight, but with consistent training and smart coaching, you’ll surprise yourself with how far (and high) you can go.
Remember: every hill climbed is a badge earned. It’s proof of effort, resilience, and the spirit of adventure.

Want to climb stronger and smarter?
Let’s build a custom training plan that turns you into a climbing force — no matter the weather, gradient, or goat-filled glen.