Herlianske sedlo is a climb of 7.2 kilometers (category 3). The climb finishes at 661 m above sea level. It is located in Banské, Prešovský kraj, Slovensko. The average gradient is 4.9% with a maximum of 7.3%. The climb has 352 meters of elevation gain.
Difficulty analysis: With 7.2 km for 352 m of elevation gain and an average gradient of 4.9%, the Herlianske sedlo is a category 3 climb with a gradual start but a demanding finish. The first three kilometres at 3% let you settle in, before the road steepens between KM 1.5-2.0 and KM 3.5-4.0 with stretches at 5 and 6%. The real difficulty lies in the final section, from KM 5.0-5.5 to KM 6.5-7.0, where a near-constant 6% over two kilometres eats into your reserves, the KM 4.0-4.5 stretch at 3% offering only a brief respite.
Tips for managing the effort:
1. Set your pace from the start On the first three kilometres at 3%, ride at a steady cadence so you don't dig into your reserves before KM 5.0-5.5.
2. Make the most of the easier KM 4.0-4.5 section This 3% stretch is the chance to drink, take on food and get your breath back before the steepest part.
3. Handle the final 6% with consistency Between KM 5.0-5.5 and KM 6.5-7.0, stay seated, keep a stable cadence and avoid unnecessary surges so you reach the summit strong.
The Herlianske sedlo is often used as a starting point for the Slanské vrchy ridge. The car park is an improvised area next to a forest road. In summer there is room for quite a few cars. In winter you can park there as long as there isn't a metre of snow.
The climb from Herľany up to the pass is on brand-new asphalt, described as a great climb. On the Mošník side, a paved road runs through the forest. It is maintained because of the telecom equipment installed up there. The steepest sections hit 12%. The "road not maintained in winter" sign at the exit of Herľany doesn't match reality according to some riders, but after a fresh snowfall or a storm the road can quickly become impassable.
Those who have ridden it talk about a quiet spot. During one whole ride, a rider only passed ten people. Phone reception is practically non-existent, so it's best to let someone know before you head out.
The weak point comes up again and again: there is no shelter or bench at the top, even though one of the accounts says the writer took cover from the rain there. Above all, rubbish is a real problem. One witness collected 200 litres of rubbish near the trail marker and is clearly not happy about it.
7.2 km • 352 m D+
VAM: average climbing speed, based on elevation gain
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