Six of the Best Gravel Climbs in the UK
Everyone “loves” a climb, and whether it’s a short one at 20% or an epic 6km ascent, the UK has several cracking off road hills to conquer. Check out our guide with 6 amazing gravel climbs across the country.
Yorkshire Dales: Stockdale Lane
5.75km, 6.2% avg gradient. Strava Segment
Starting from Settle, this is not only one of the hardest climbs in the country but also one of the most picturesque. Starting in a charming market town, the route goes into the Dales with a mix of smooth and then rough surface and pitchy gradients that keep changing and often very steep. Ride it on the Yorkshire Dales Gravel Epic in May.
Loch Lomond: Rest & Be Thankful
4.9km, 5.3% avg gradient. Strava Segment
This one is in for it’s shear beauty and it’s length – expect to spend at least 30 mins on this stunning climb. In the heart of the Arrochar Alps, this is one of the most spectacular gravel trails anywhere in Europe with high peaks all around and sweeping views down to Loch Lomond. Ride in on the Wild Westie in May.
Cambrian Mountains: Hafren Forest
7.1km, 3.7% avg gradient. Strava Segment
This part of mid Wales is so stunning. The vast majority of riders on our ride here have never been to the area and are instantly in love with it! Because it is so remote & untouched, some of the trails and roads vary wildly from smooth to broken very quickly but this long, 7km steady climb in Hafren Forest is mostly on good gravel and it’s a delight to ride. Join us in the Cambrian Mountains this June.
North Yorkshire Moors: Duncombe Park
0.4km. 14.6% avg gradient. Strava Segment
Most of these climbs are long and wild. This one is very short but incredibly steep and it comes right at the end of a massive day out in the North Yorkshire Moors (an area with plenty of other tough climbs!!). More than 50% of our riders end up walking this very tough section. Ride it on the fantastic North Yorkshire Moors Gravel Epic this summer.
Lake District: Grizedale Forest
4.4km, 3.7% avg gradient. Strava Segment
There are a few punchy climbs in the Lakes but our favourite is this long and mostly steady climb in the heart of the Grizedale Forest on lovely gravel. The first 1km averages almost 10% but once this hard work is done, the remainder is easier with time to take in the views and clean air. Ride the brilliant Lake District Gravel Epic this June.
Surrey Hills: Beggars Lane
Parallel with White Down and rising rapidly on the North Downs ridge, this brutal off road climb is for our money the toughest gravel climb in the South East. Turning off the main road by Abinger Hammer, there is a short lead up to the climb and then, like some of the road climbs nearby, it is steep for a long section on a narrow trail which on a hot day can feel roasting! Ride it on the North Downs Gravel X this Autumn.
