OVERVIEW
A west country epic! This relatively unexplored area of Somerset and Wiltshire is a must visit. The route is full of climbs that lead to long ridgeways & stunning views across Cranbourne Chase.
This ride takes places during bluebell season and we have a great section through flower filled woods & some glorious flowy sections along the ridges. A few of the climbs are challenging but the descents make it more than worthwhile.
Camping available on Friday night at the ride village.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Ride through bluebell woods on smooth gravel trails.
- Take on some punchy climbs with epic views over the best countryside in Hampshire & Wiltshire.
- Finish on the private gravel roads of Frome Cheese Show.
What to expect
Expect a lot of variety on this ride – smooth gravel, hard packed mud in the woods, tough climbs, sharp descents & long flowing sections.
You can choose which route you do on the day with three distances available. The long route should take 5-7 hours so it’s a big day on the bike.
Ride difficulty
All three route options are fairly punchy with a number of climbs to get over. The short & medium routes have one flat section to recover, the long route has two flat sections (both about 10km). Other than that, it’s up and down for the rest of the day.
Long Route ****
Medium Route ***
Short Route **
***** Reserved just for our hardest routes. Expect long distance & lots of challenging climbs both on and off road.
**** Typically longer rides with regular climbs which could be both steep & long. Suitable for regular riders with some training.
*** A mix of terrain & elevation. A decent day out with some tricky sections but still suitable for regular riders.
** Some harder sections but suitable for all regular cyclists
* Easy, suitable for all riders. Mostly flat route.
Technical difficulty
The long route is 55% off road on a real mix of surfaces from smooth gravel, lumpier gravel, grass, singletrack & hard packed mud in the woods.
Long Route ***
Medium Route ***
Short Route ***
***** A challenging route suitable only for experienced riders. Expect short hike-a-bike sections, a mix of terrain & loose climbs and descents.
**** Suitable for regular off roaders, the route may contain rockier sections, technical descents etc.
*** A mix of off road conditions with some more difficult sections.
** More typical UK gravel which may be muddy when wet but no challenging sections
* Smooth terrain suitable for all riders.
TYRE & BIKE RECOMMENDATIONS
This route is designed for gravel bikes but you will be fine on a hardtail MTB. We do send out tyre recommendations closer to the time. Even though there is a fair amount of tarmac, we would suggest a wider all-rounder gravel tyre (40-50mm will be ideal).
Included in entry
Fully Signed Route
Our team work tirelessly to create the best gravel routes in the UK. All courses are fully signed so you can just enjoy the ride.
Checkpoints with proper food
An epic ride deserves proper support. We have tea, coffee and cake at the first feed and sandwiches & crisps at the main feed. Checkpoints are approx every 30-40km
Accurate GPX Files
A few days before the ride, we will send GPX files for all of the route options so you can follow the course on your GPS as well as the signs.
Mechanics Available
At the rider village & at selected feed stops we have mechanics available to help with any bike issues. We also have spare inner tubes, CO2 & more.
Rider Support Vans
We are here to make sure you have a great day on the gravel. If you have any major mechanicals or need collecting, support vehicles are a phone call away.
Beer at Finish Line
You will be greeted at the finish line with a beer & food available from our food truck. Perfect to chat about your day with fellow riders.
Fully Signed Route
Our team work tirelessly to create the best gravel routes in the UK. All courses are fully signed so you can just enjoy the ride.
Checkpoints with proper food
An epic ride deserves proper support. We have tea, coffee and cake at the first feed and sandwiches & crisps at the main feed. Checkpoints are approx every 30-35km
Accurate GPX Files
A few days before the ride, we will send GPX files for all of the route options so you can follow the course on your GPS as well as the signs.
Mechanics Available
At the rider village & at selected feed stops we have mechanics available to help with any bike issues. We also have spare inner tubes, CO2 & more.
Rider Support Vans
We are here to make sure you have a great day on the gravel. If you have any major mechanicals or need collecting, support vehicles are a phone call away.
Beer at Finish Line
You will be greeted at the finish line with a beer & food available from our food truck. Perfect to chat about your day with fellow riders.
EVENT PROGRAM
8th May: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
10th May: 7.45am: Ride village at Frome Cheese Show opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
10th May: 8am to 8,45amm: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
10th May: 6pm: Rider village closes.
10th May: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
ROUTE DETAILS
LONG ROUTE
An epic west country ride!
The first off road section comes quick, and it gradually climbs you up to the first vista over White Sheet Castle. The route then works it’s way directly through farm and forest tracks (watch out for the cows).
The middle half of the route provides some respite with some rolling hills and some quiet lanes on the road. The final climb leads to some of the best views of the route before a fast descent back to HQ.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance: 100km
Elevation: 1,400m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
A punchy medium route but suitable for most riders.
Leaving the start at the Frome Cheese Show, the 66km medium route follows the long route for the first 28km.
At the split, we stay on the ridgeway for another 5km before a fast and fun off road descent before 10km on the flat tarmac to get your legs ready for one final gravel climb taking in some of the best views on the ride and a quick last 10km home.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance: 66km
Elevation: 900m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
A punchy medium route but suitable for most riders.
Leaving the start at the Frome Cheese Show, the 66km medium route follows the long route for the first 28km.
At the split, we stay on the ridgeway for another 5km before a fast and fun off road descent before 10km on the flat tarmac to get your legs ready for one final gravel climb taking in some of the best views on the ride and a quick last 10km home.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance: 66km
Elevation: 900m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
SHORT ROUTE
The short route follows the medium route for the first 25km and then branches off missing 16km and a couple of small climbs making this an ideal route through the bluebell woods and ridges of this part of South England.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance: 50km
Elevation: 750m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes at Frome Cheese Show. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email.
Yes, e-bikes are allowed on all Glorious Gravel ride. These must comply with UK law.
We have first aiders & mechanics at the feed stops. There will be a phone number on the back of your ride number – call this if you need collecting.
Camping is available at the ride village on Friday night. Book your spot in the checkout when you book your entry.
LOCAL AREA
The Wessex Gravel Epic starts at the Frome Cheese Show in Frome – about 30 mins south of Bath or 45 mins West of Salisbury.
The nearest town is Frome but Warminster is also nearby. These towns have plenty of accommodation options.
There is a train station in Frome approx 3.5 miles away.
Make a weekend of it
Camp at the ride village on Friday night (book your spot in the checkout when you book your entry).
Frome is the gateway to a number of cool places to visit nearby including:
– Longleat (safari park)
– Bath
– Glastonbury
– Wookey Hole (the UK’s largest show caves system)
Make a weekend of it
Camp at the ride village on Friday night (book your spot in the checkout when you book your entry).
Frome is the gateway to a number of cool places to visit nearby including:
– Longleat (safari park)
– Bath
– Glastonbury
– Wookey Hole (the UK’s largest show caves system)
Packing list
The route takes in some remote sections. We have support vans available but we recommend you are as self sufficient as possible including:
Bike spares
2 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyre
If running a tubeless set up, have a tubeless repair kit including plugs and spare sealant.
Multitool | Chain link specific for your bike chain
Small pump | Brake pads (especially in wet conditions)
Personal Medical kit
1 x crepe roll bandage | Gauze or similar absorbent dressing
Assorted plasters | Antiseptic (spray, cream or wipes) | Prescribed medication
