OVERVIEW
A flat & flowing summer gravel century ride!
Taking in North Norfolk’s finest country lanes, trails, farm tracks and seaside views, we follow the ancient Peddar’s Way before the long route continues up to the coast at Hunstanton and then along the dunes & marshes on the Norfolk Coast.
This ride is perfect for anybody looking for minimal elevation change, mixed gravel terrain and a great day on the bike.
Make a weekend of it with camping available…
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Take in a large chunk of the ancient Peddars Way (perhaps even spot the Ghostly East Anglian hound - Black Shuck!).
- Beautiful gravel byways separated by quiet country lanes.
- Feel the sea breeze on the long route as we hug the coast in Hunstanton.
What to expect
50% of the route is on tarmac and the off road is a real mix of smooth gravel & rougher farm tracks. Expect a full day in the saddle with a mix of care free miles & sections where you need to concentrate.
Ride difficulty
Ignore the popular misconception, Norfolk is not completely flat & this route has plenty of short, rolling hills. There are no long or super steep bits but don’t come expecting an easy ride.
Long Route ****
Medium 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
50% of the route is on tarmac . The off road is a mix of some well kept gravel trails and some bumpier farmtracks which can be rooty and rutted if dry and muddy when wet.
Long Route ***
Medium 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 slightly wider gravel all-rounder 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
12th June: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
14th June: 7.30am: Ride village at Fakenham Racecourse opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
14th June: 8am to 8,45am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
14th June: 6pm: Rider village closes.
14th June: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
ROUTE DETAILS
LONG ROUTE
Starting at Fakenham Racecourse, we wind through gravel sections and country lanes before taking the Peddars Way north. After 43km, refresh yourself at the first feed stop before turning east.
After some quiet rolling lanes, we reach Hunstanton to take in coastal views with close to 10km on bike paths and back lanes next to the sea followed by a section past the dunes and marshes to the east of Hunstanton.
Following this, we turn south, with the second feed stop at the 100km mark. Then follows a steady 20km back to the racecourse.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance: 111km
Elevation: 900m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
This option follows the first half of the Long route, taking in the Peddars way and both feed stops.
After 48km, we turn back inland rather than going out to the coast before rejoining the long route just before the second feed stop.
If you’re after a long but sub 100km ride, still taking in the finest lanes and byways North Norfolk has to offer then this is a great option.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 45%
Distance: 83km
Elevation: 650m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
This option follows the first half of the Long route, taking in the Peddars way and both feed stops.
After 48km, we turn back inland rather than going out to the coast before rejoining the long route just before the second feed stop.
If you’re after a long but sub 100km ride, still taking in the finest lanes and byways North Norfolk has to offer then this is a great option.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 45%
Distance: 83km
Elevation: 650m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
SHORT ROUTE
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance: 104km
Elevation: 750m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes at Fakenham Racecourse. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email.
Yes, you can book directly with Fakenham Racecourse HERE.
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.
LOCAL AREA
The Nofolk Gravel Epic starts at Fakenham Racecourse.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay, the campsite at the racecourse is excellent. There are also a number of hotels minutes away in the centre of Fakenham where there are plenty of pubs & restaurants.
It’s quite a tough ride to get to on public transport, the nearest train stations are in Sheringham or Kings Lynn.
Make a weekend of it
Complete your day with a visit to the Secret Nuclear Bunker itself. This is a fascinating place, designed to protect up to 600 people including the Prime Minister whose job was to “organise the survival of the population in the awful aftermath of a nuclear war.”
On the site is a high ropes course and the area is packed with lovely country pubs perfect for a post ride pint or Sunday roast if you are staying overnight.
Make a weekend of it
Complete your day with a visit to the Secret Nuclear Bunker itself. This is a fascinating place, designed to protect up to 600 people including the Prime Minister whose job was to “organise the survival of the population in the awful aftermath of a nuclear war.”
On the site is a high ropes course and the area is packed with lovely country pubs perfect for a post ride pint or Sunday roast if you are staying overnight.
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
