OVERVIEW
An early summer gravel EPIC. Choose between the short 44km route on (relatively) flat / rolling terrain, the medium 77km option or the full, epic, 109km route including some epic gravel to the north of the White Peak.
All of the routes take in parts of the classic trails in the area including Monsal, Tissington & High Peak as well as some secret local spots. An epic day out in one of the most stunning National Parks in the UK.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Ride sections of the classic Monsal, Tissington & High Peak Trails going way off the beaten track.
- Make a weekend of it – camping available for £10
- Beautiful views over one of England’s most popular National Parks.
What to expect
When you think of the Peaks you think of super tough climbs, Winnats Pass, Mam Tor and chunky gravel. Not so much on this ride, the medium & long route are challenging but not impossible and the gravel in large parts are smooth on former rail lines.
Ride difficulty
Any 100km off road ride is going to be a big day but this is very doable for regular riders with some flatter sections in amongst some challenging climbs. Expect the long route to take 5.5-9 hours.
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
A lot of the route is on classic trails of the Peak District including the Monsal, High Peak & Tissington. There are a few rougher farm tracks.
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. A wider all-rounder gravel tyre (40-50mm) will be ideal for all three routes.
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
19th June: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
21st June: 7.30am: Ride village in Bakewell opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
21st June: 8am to 8.45am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
21st June: 6pm: Rider village closes.
21st June: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
ROUTE DETAILS
LONG ROUTE
The classic gravel epic in the glorious Peak District.
Starting in Bakewell, we make our way to the Monsal trail to warm up the legs before we reach the biggest climb of the day at Miller’s Dale.
After a quick feed stop, we head south on the Tissington Trail making the most of the re-purposed Victorian railway’s perfect gravel until it’s time to dive over the county boundary into Staffordshire.
We then head East to the High Peak trail with some lovely views of the Peaks and a couple of punchy little local climbs (including Larkstone Lane, a top 100 road climb averaging 6.2% over 1.9km).
After a final stop near Matlock, we head into the Moors with two punchy off road climbs (both 2.5km, save something in your legs for these!!) before a fun descent back into Bakewell.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 65%
Distance: 109km
Elevation: 1,750m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
The medium route cuts off 32km and 550m of elevation and the vast majority of the route is off road on a mix of the Monsal, Tissington and High Peak trails.
There are three off road climbs to get over (3km, 2.5km and 2.5km) which are challenging but the rest of the ride is quick and a good option for newer gravel riders.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance: 77km
Elevation: 1,200m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
The medium route cuts off 32km and 550m of elevation and the vast majority of the route is off road on a mix of the Monsal, Tissington and High Peak trails.
There are three off road climbs to get over (3km, 2.5km and 2.5km) which are challenging but the rest of the ride is quick and a good option for newer gravel riders.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance: 77km
Elevation: 1,200m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
SHORT ROUTE
A stunning and varied 50km option. The route follows the long course for 20km towards Newport and then heads back to the west coast along different gravel trails before hitting the coastal roads near the end.
Rolling throughout, this is a relatively short ride but definitely packs a punch.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 70%
Distance: 42km
Elevation: 550m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes at Bakewell Showgrounds. 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.
Yes, book your pitch for campervans or tents in the checkout when you enter the ride.
LOCAL AREA
The ride starts at Bakewell Showgrounds, a short walk from Bakewell town centre.
There are a few hotels in Bakewell and some lovely pubs in nearby villages. There are more options in Buxton (20 mins away) or stay at Bike and Boot in Hope – https://www.bikeandboot.com/peak-district
It’s not the easiest ride to get to by public transport – the nearest station is Buxton.
Make a weekend of it
There is so much to do in the Peaks that this is a great option to stay over for a night or two.
The region is famous for some amazing walks and climbs plus loads of great road cycling or gravel routes to the north of Bakewell.
For some culture, head to Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall or take a stroll around charming Bakewell.
Make a weekend of it
There is so much to do in the Peaks that this is a great option to stay over for a night or two.
The region is famous for some amazing walks and climbs plus loads of great road cycling or gravel routes to the north of Bakewell.
For some culture, head to Chatsworth House, Haddon Hall or take a stroll around charming Bakewell.
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
