Long Route
104km | 2200m
Medium Route
74km | 1450m
Short Route
43km | 950m
Ride Overview
PART OF THE WILD WESTIE GRAVEL WEEKEND. Ride this classic route in the gravel capital of the UK on the Sunday and the day before take on one of the great gravel rides in Europe – The Loch Lomond Divide from Dunoon to Aberfoyle. Camping available for the weekend on the glorious Cardross Estate near Aberfoyle.
Aberfoyle is tipped by many as the UK’s premier gravel location and it is easy to see why. The gravel is forestry tracks throughtout and peppered with climbs, descents and views that can only be reached by travelling under your own steam.
Whilst hilly there are 3 different route lengths to satisfy any rider who wants to hit the gravel and leave the hustle of daily life behind.
Highlights
- Ride in one of Britains premier gravel cycling locations
- Take in views of Ben Lomond while cycling through one of the UKs largest National Nature Reserves
- Combine with the Loch Lomond Divide as part of the Wild Westie bank holiday gravel weekend.
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 - 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
23rd May: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
26th May – 7.45am: Ride village in Aberfoyle opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
26th May – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
26th May – 7pm: Rider village closes
26th May – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Long Route
Perhaps the best gravel riding in the UK…
Heading north from the town of Aberfoyle initially this route takes in the Achray Forest and some punchy climbs before heading south into the Loch Ard Forest.
Whilst the toughest climbs are in the first half of the route a tough switchback climb near the base of Ben Lomond will be sure to cause distraction from the stunning views before looping home via Loch Chron
Percentage of Route Off Road: 90%
Distance:
104km
Elevation:
2200m
Difficulty:
4.5/5
Medium Route
The medium route mirrors the long route for much of the ride before peeling off at 71km and taking a easier route home via Loch Ard
Percentage of Route Off Road: 85%
Distance:
74km
Elevation:
1450m
Difficulty:
3.5/5
Short Route
The short route follows the same challenging first 40km as the medium and long routes by starting with a tough 3km climb at 8% but then taking in some flatter Lochside gravel before finishing with a punchy climb then 5km gravel descent to Aberfoyle.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 80%
Distance:
43km
Elevation:
950m
Difficulty:
3/5
Bike Selection & Packing List
Bike Choice: The route is largely off road on good quality gravel so we recommend a gravel bike though a mountain bike will be fine. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides.
Tyre Choice: We will send an update on conditions closer to the ride. The gravel on the route is mostly smooth so a 35-40mm all rounder gravel tyre will be ideal.
Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route as we go into remote areas without phone signal (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2 etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence.
Clothing: The end of May in Scotland cant guarentee anything weather wise, we reccomend both suncream and a raincape! Even though out of season we reccomend midge spray if
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes in the centre of Aberfoyle. There is free parking nearby 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, we start between 8am and 9.30am and set people off in small groups so the off road sections are not too busy. Please come to the start line with anyone you want to ride with, we will give a short ride briefing and set you off.