The Best Gravel Mini Breaks in UK
We are so lucky to live in an amazing country with hugely varied regions all within a short drive. It makes this one of the best spots on the planet for regular weekend mini-breaks and gravel cycling is the best way to see the country.
Check out our guide to some of the best regions to escape to this year with camping from under £15 or great hotels nearby….
The Lake District: June
Just before the summer holidays, before the Lake District is packed. Our base is in the beautiful town of Coniston. Camp on Fri & or Sat night. Our ride takes place on the Saturday with a cracking route through Grizedale Forest. If you still have some matches to burn on Sunday, head up to Whinlatter Forest for some epic gravel in England’s only mountain forest. Or, have a day off the bike and hike the stunning Old Man of Coniston.
Ride the Lake District Gravel Epic on June 28th.Dorset: April
A spring classic on the South Coast. Camp with us near Wareham and enjoy a brilliant ride on the Saturday through Wareham Forest and down to the Isle of Purbeck with some glorious views down to the coast. If you are a member of the Glorious Cycling Club, join us on Sunday for a club ride in the New Forest or for a day off the bike, get the old steam train and check out Corfe Castle & the Tank Museum at Bovington.
Ride the Dorset Gravel X on April 5thNorth Yorkshire Moors: April
Set in the heart of Dalby Forest, this makes for a perfect weekend of multi discipline cycling. Our ride takes place on the Saturday with a stunning route though the forest. This leaves Sunday to either take your MTB out onto the famous trails of the area or get the road bike out and tackle some of the monster climbs nearby. Off the bike, head down to the coast nearby or enjoy one of the many great hikes over the moors.
Ride the North Yorkshire Moors Gravel X on April 26th.Loch Lomond: May
Maybe the best gravel weekend of the year. Camp from Saturday to Monday in the glorious Cardross Estate in the beautiful Scottish countryside. On the Saturday, have a short coffee spin up to one of our favourite cycling cafes in the UK and then on Sunday, ride the massive Wild Westie taking in some of the best trails in Aberfoyle & then take a ferry across Loch Lomond and explore the magnificent Arrochar Alps.
Ride the Wild Westie on May 25th.Peak District: June
One of the most accessible National Parks in the UK, the Peaks never fails to deliver in it’s beauty and options for outdoor adventure. Based in Bakewell, our ride is on the Saturday with a classic Peaks loop taking in old railway lines, wild trails across the hills & a few tasty climbs for good measure. There are plenty of other gravel routes in the Dark Peak to the north or have a day off the bike and try some climbing or hiking.
Ride the Peak District Gravel Epic on June 21st.Salisbury Plain: July
This weekend is all about the riding. Our longest ride of the year (217km) takes place on one of the longest Saturdays of the year. Camp at Thruxton on Friday & Saturday enjoying food trucks & a full ride village with leading gravel brands. On Friday night we have some social track racing before an early morning start for a summer classic!
Ride The Centurion on July 12th.Galloway Forest: July
Another beautiful weekend in remote Scotland. Our base for this weekend is the massive Galloway Forest and our campsite is right in the heart of it by a river and with mountain views. Our ride on the Saturday is an absolute epic with a huge long route. On the Sunday, there are some great MTB trails nearby, stunning hikes and this is a dark skies area so stay up and see the stars.
Ride the Wild Goat on July 19th.Kielder Forest: August
At the end of the summer holidays, join us in the glorious Kielder Forest for a massive ride with three sections – part one in the forest, part two over the border into Scotland and part three around Kielder Water. Off the bike, head to the observatory and see the stars or head down to Kielder Waterside and try kayaking, paddleboarding and more on the lake.
Ride the Kielder Triple Crown on August 31st.Isle of Wight: July
A proper summer escape. Heading over to the Isle of Wight is always a great time, long known as a road cycling destination but the gravel here is brilliant. Our base is at Tapnell Farm near the ferry at Yarmouth and Saturday’s route takes you all around the island. Camping is available at the farm. On the Sunday, head down to the beach and get some culture with a visit to Osbourne House or Carisbrooke Castle.
Ride the Wight Roads Gravel Epic on July 13thLancashire: September
One of the hidden gems in the UK, the Forest of Bowland makes for an incredible mini break. Stay with us in Gisburn Forest close to the Lancs / Yorks border. On the Saturday, our ride goes through remote trails through the Forest of Bowland including the legendary Salter Fell. On Sunday, head to the Yorkshire Dales or visit charming nearby towns of Clitheroe or Kirkby Lonsdale. Some of the best gastro pubs in the country are in this area, a visit to the Freemasons at Wiswell or Parkers Arms will round off a brilliant weekend (booking essential).
Ride the Lancashire Gravel Epic on Sept 13th.
