OVERVIEW
An early Autumn gravel classic on the off road trails of the Surrey Hills & North Downs.
Choose either the 54km or 88km route as we head to lesser ridden byways & bridleways in one of the UK’s most popular cycling region. From our start in the middle of the Surrey Hills, we head north to one of the punchiest gravel climbs in the South East and then skirt Box Hill before exploring the trails and commons in Surrey.
Though this ride is close to London, we see hardly anyone else all day on the trails and it feels like a different world.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Glorious views from the top of Leith Hill - the second highest point in South East England
- Explore lesser ridden trails in rural Surrey
- North Downs climbs of all varieties including the super punchy Beggars Lane
What to expect
The ride starts and finishes in the Surrey Hills and follows the ridge of the North Downs so expect plenty of climbs with a more gentle section in the middle of the ride through the commons. The gravel is a mix, some smooth trails but also plenty of rougher sections with ruts and roots which can be muddy after rain.
Ride difficulty
Get ready from the gun as the first 25km is punchy including a long, steady climb upto the summit of Leith Hill (4.5km) and then the very sharp Beggars Lane (the off road equivalent of White Down if you know the area).
The middle 40km is rolling before hitting the hills again for the last 20km.
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
Just under 40% of the route is on tarmac and the gravel is a mix fr60 well kept trails in the hills & commons to some more rutted bridleways in places.
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 nice wide gravel all-round tyre (40-50mm) will be ideal in most conditions.
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
25th Sept: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
27th Sept: 7.30am: Ride village at Coverwood Farm near Peaslake opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
27th Sept: 8am to 8,45am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
27th Sept: 5pm: Rider village closes.
27th Sept: 8pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
ROUTE DETAILS
LONG ROUTE
Starting from Coverwood Farm, we have a short descent and then its straight into our first climb up Radnor Road after just 1.5km. Then we are onto Leith Hill for the highest point of the route. This long (4.5km) but gradual climb on mostly gravel takes us up to a great viewpoint before we descent back to the North Downs ridge.
Our next climb is the super steep Beggars Lane, our biggest challenge of the day. It’s just 1.1km but averages over 10% as we climb up the ridge – this is the gravel equivalent of White Down and every bit as hard.
From the top, we have 40km of much flatter riding as we head near Box Hill and up to Ashstead Common, Bookham Common & Effingham Forest before we finish back in the hills for the last 20km.
The last two climbs are Combe Lane and then Winterfold Wood before rolling back to the finish with one last kicker!
Percentage of Route Off Road: 60%
Distance: 88km
Elevation: 1,500m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
The medium route misses out the middle 34km section through Ashstead & Bookham Common.
There are 5 climbs within 54km so it’s a day full of ups and downs but a cracking ride spent following the North Downs ridge.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 60%
Distance: 54km
Elevation: 1,050m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
The medium route misses out the middle 34km section through Ashstead & Bookham Common.
There are 5 climbs within 54km so it’s a day full of ups and downs but a cracking ride spent following the North Downs ridge.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 60%
Distance: 54km
Elevation: 1,050m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
SHORT ROUTE
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Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance: 104km
Elevation: 750m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes at Coverwood Farm near Peaslake in the Surrey Hills. 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.
LOCAL AREA
The Surrey Gravel Epic starts at Coverwood Farm just outside Peaslake in the heart of the Surrey Hills.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay, the nearest town is Cranleigh which has a few options or Dorking has a few more options.
The nearest train station is 9 miles away in Dorking.
Make a weekend of it
The Surrey Hills are close to London but is miles away from the hustle and bustle. Plenty of areas have no phone coverage and it’s an adventure playground.
If you want a different cycling experience, this is one of the most famous road cycling regions in the country with classic climbs from the 2012 Olympics like Box Hill, Leith Hill & more. Peaslake is also a hub for mountain biking with some great trails all around.
For hiking, this is a great resource to find a suitable walk – https://surreyhills.org/visit/walking/.
For a more relaxing day, try the picturesque Denbies Wine Estate (tours and wine tasting available HERE) or visit the National Trust estate at Polesden Lacey.
Make a weekend of it
The Surrey Hills are close to London but is miles away from the hustle and bustle. Plenty of areas have no phone coverage and it’s an adventure playground.
If you want a different cycling experience, this is one of the most famous road cycling regions in the country with classic climbs from the 2012 Olympics like Box Hill, Leith Hill & more. Peaslake is also a hub for mountain biking with some great trails all around.
For hiking, this is a great resource to find a suitable walk – https://surreyhills.org/visit/walking/.
For a more relaxing day, try the picturesque Denbies Wine Estate (tours and wine tasting available HERE) or visit the National Trust estate at Polesden Lacey.
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
