OVERVIEW
One of our biggest rides of the year in the amazing Cambrian Mountains, home to some super smooth gravel & glorious views.
The full 169km epic route takes in classic forest gravel roads to the source of the Severn River in Hafren Forest, then onto some lovely riverside bridleways, some of the longest (up to 7km) climbs in the UK & amazing road descents in the Elan Valley.
The short (54km) route is almost all on super smooth gravel & back roads, the long route has a few rougher sections on broken roads as we go into some very remote areas. An absolute Welsh classic day out on the glorious gravel!
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Stunning smooth forest gravel roads through Hafren Forest.
- Some of the UK’s best back roads in the beautiful Elan Valley as well as some wild, remote gravel.
- Take in lovely views of rural Wales on the gravel of the classic Glyndwr’s Way.
What to expect
One of the best routes of the year. The long route is very tough with big climbs and a huge variety of terrain throughout so expect a long day!
Ride difficulty
Up there with out hardest rides of the year. The medium route is short but packs in some tough climbs. The long route is lumpy all day with mostly off road climbs. For experienced riders only.
Epic Route *****
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
The medium route is mostly on smooth forest tracks. The long route takes in a complete mix with back roads, broken roads, gravel roads, single track and a few technical sections.
Epic Route *****
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 wider all-rounder gravel tyre (40-50mm) will be ideal for both routes.
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
10th June: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
13th June: 5.45am: Ride village in Llanidloes opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
13th June: 6.30am to 7am: epic & long route starts. 8am to 8,45am: medium route start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
13th June: 8pm: Rider village closes.
13th June: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
ROUTE DETAILS
epic ROUTE
Get ready for an absolute epic day out. This region of mid Wales is a must for gravel riders with some glorious off road sections and a great variety.
Starting out in Llanidloes, we head west and are straight onto gravel and straight onto our first climb after 4km. After a sharp 1.5km and a more gradual 3.5km climb, we are into the beautiful forest trails of Hafren Forest. The gravel here is really smooth and flowy and we have an amazing 20km in the woods until the first feed stop.
We then have a great gravel descent before heading south and west over three punchy off road climbs, One of the highlights of the middle of the route is stunning gravel trails around the Elan Valley Reservoirs before we reach our final feed stop .
The last 50km takes us through Rhayader before heading north on the Glyndwr’s way before a final descent back into Llanidloes. A tough but brilliant day in an incredible part of Wales.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance: 169km
Elevation: 3,800m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
LONG ROUTE
A super punchy long route with a massive amount of variety through the day.
The long route follows the epic route through the Hafren Forest and south for the first 50km and rejoins for the last 40km. The middle 30km takes you on the direct route to the Elan Valley on a mix of road, gravel and some wild broken road. An amazing ride!
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance: 119km
Elevation: 2,500m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Long ROUTE
A super punchy long route with a massive amount of variety through the day.
The long route follows the epic route through the Hafren Forest and south for the first 50km and rejoins for the last 40km. The middle 30km takes you on the direct route to the Elan Valley on a mix of road, gravel and some wild broken road. An amazing ride!
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance: 119km
Elevation: 2,500m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
MEDIUM ROUTE
A lovely short route giving a great feel for the region. We follow the long route for the first 30km going through Hafren Forest and then heads back to Llanidloes on some nice off road sections.
There are two climbs to get over so this is still a challenging ride but its mostly off road with few technical sections so ideal for anyone that wants a shorter ride that still takes in the essence of this fabulous region.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 85%
Distance: 54km
Elevation: 1,200m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes in Llanidloes. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email.
Yes, there is camping in the ride village on Friday & Saturday night in our beautiful spot in mid Wales. Suitable for both tents and campervans / motorhomes.
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 Cambrian Mountains Gravel Epic starts in Llanidloes, 20 mins west of Newtown & 2hrs west of Birmingham.
There are a few small hotels & campsites near the ride village or more options in Newtown.
The nearest train station is 8 miles away in Caersws
Make a weekend of it
This is a stunning part of Wales and well worth staying on a bit longer.
On the bike there is great riding (both gravel & MTB) in Dyfi Forest about 30 mins away & Coed-y-Brenin just over an hour away.
Off the bike, there are some great hiking trails in Hafren Forest or on the Glyndwr’s Way.
This is a dark skies area so enjoy a night under the stars before and after one of the best rides in Europe!
Make a weekend of it
This is a stunning part of Wales and well worth staying on a bit longer.
On the bike there is great riding (both gravel & MTB) in Dyfi Forest about 30 mins away & Coed-y-Brenin just over an hour away.
Off the bike, there are some great hiking trails in Hafren Forest or on the Glyndwr’s Way.
This is a dark skies area so enjoy a night under the stars before and after one of the best rides in Europe!
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
