OVERVIEW
One of our four gravel monuments of the season. The Wild Goat is a monster 186km loop in the UK’s largest forest with glorious riding, amazing views and climbs well suited to mountain goats.
The ride is based in the stunning Galloway Forest with it’s huge network of fire roads and gravel trails. This is amongst the best places for off-road riding anywhere in Europe and our route takes in all our favourite sections.
Camping is available on Friday & Saturday night so this makes for a brilliant weekend break in South West Scotland. An absolute bucket list gravel ride!
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Endless dreamy gravel trails of Galloway Forest
- Views over Wigtown Bay and all the way to the Lake District (weather depending!)
- Almost entirely off road - one of the longest gravel loops in the UK
What to expect
Almost entirely off road on smooth fire roads but plenty of climbing throughout the day with few flat / rolling sections. We expect the long route to take 7-11 hours.
Ride difficulty
Any 186km off road ride is going to be a big day in the saddle and this one is tough from the start with most of the first 9km heading up hill. The short route is challenging but suitable for most riders. You will need to be in good shape for the medium & long routes.
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
This is gravel as you see in the adverts. The route is mostly long, flowy and mostly wide gravel trails with some singletrack. Some of the gravel can be quite sharp here so pack more tubes / plugs than normal.
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, you will be fine on a hardtail MTB but you obviously want a bike you will be comfortable on for many hours. . We do send out tyre recommendations closer to the time but the gravel drains well after rain so we expect in July that the trails will be flowing nicely. An all-rounder gravel tyre (35-45mm) 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
17th July: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
19th July: 7.00am: Ride village at Talnotry opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
19th July: 7.30am to 8am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
19th July: 7pm: Rider village closes.
19th July: 8pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
ROUTE DETAILS
LONG ROUTE
Starting at Talontry Campsite in the heart of the forest, the route heads straight up high into the forest on bumpy gravel trails. The route then starts to head south on a remote section alongside Loch Grannoch, when you understand you are truly taking part in a special ride in a special place for gravel.
Hopefully the weather is good to you and you manage to get clear views right over to the Lake District, you will start to head back North on some rougher gravel but still fast flowing as is much of the gravel in this area.
After a refuel on the shores of Clatteringshaws Loch, the final loop of the day will take you far away from any civilisation, through the valleys of higher peaks, past a number of lochs and to Glentrool where another feed stop will await you to fuel you for the final section.
The final section will intertwine with the famous MTB route of the area close to Kirroughtree and finally descend you back to Talontry campsite to enjoy a well earned beer and some grub.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 95%
Distance: 186km
Elevation: 3,150m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
The medium route follows the long course for the first 126km and then heads home rather than doing the last 55km loop around Loch Dee & Loch Troll.
You can choose which route to do on the day so you can see how the legs feel at the 126km mark.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 95%
Distance: 133km
Elevation: 2.300m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
The medium route follows the long course for the first 126km and then heads home rather than doing the last 55km loop around Loch Dee & Loch Troll.
You can choose which route to do on the day so you can see how the legs feel at the 126km mark.
You can choose which route option to do on the day but the medium is a great option with some great off road sections.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 95%
Distance: 133km
Elevation: 2,300m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
SHORT ROUTE
The short route is almost all off road apart from a short section at the start.
This route splits from the medium & long straight away but rejoins at the bottom of Clatteringshaws Loch for 15km.
This is a challenging but thrilling 93km loop and with the gravel being smooth, it’s suitable for most riders looking for a big day out.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 95%
Distance: 93km
Elevation: 1,400m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes at Talnotry, close to Newton Stewart. 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, there is camping on Friday & Saturday night available for £15 per night (campervan or per tent). There will be food and toilets on site but no showers or power.
Book your pitch in the checkout when you add your ride entry.
LOCAL AREA
The Wild Goat starts & finishes at Talnotry, 8 miles north east of Newton Stewart.
Camping is available at the ride village or there are hotels in Newton Stewart or slightly further away in Castle Douglas, Gatehouse of Fleet or on the coast in Kirkcudbright.
It’s a tough ride for public transport with no nearby train stations.
Make a weekend of it
Camping is available at the ride village on both Friday & Saturday night (book your spot in the checkout).
Glentrool & Kirroughtree are nearby for anyone wanting some world class mountain biking. Within the Forest are some great hikes particularly around Loch Trool or go and see the wildlife with red deer and (of course) wild goats near the ride village.
Make a weekend of it
Camping is available at the ride village on both Friday & Saturday night (book your spot in the checkout).
Glentrool & Kirroughtree are nearby for anyone wanting some world class mountain biking. Within the Forest are some great hikes particularly around Loch Trool or go and see the wildlife with red deer and (of course) wild goats near the ride village.
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
