EPic Route
92km | 2200m
Medium Route
55km | 1250m
Ride Overview
The second part of our epic Peaks Gravel Weekender takes us north of Bakewell to the wilder and more spectacular trails of the Dark Peaks.
With more climbing, more varied terrain and more spectacular views, this is a stunning 92km or 55km route going over moorland and punchy climbs in the Hope Valley including the legendary broken road up Mam Tor.
Highlights
- Wild and remote off road sections in the beautiful Peak District National Park.
- Make a weekend of it – camping available for £5 and ride the Peak District Gravel Epic on the Saturday
- Ride the legendary Broken Road up Mam Tor.
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
13th June: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
16th June – 7.45am: Ride village in Bakewell opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
16th June – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
16th June – 6.30pm: Rider village closes
16th June – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Long Route
Heading north from Bakewell we start on gravel and then after 6km hit the first of 6 climbs for the day. This climb is 2.3km at 7.7% all on tarmac before we hit the gravel around the quarries.
We then head north west with a punchy climb out of Calver (mix of road & gravel) and another mixed climb until we reach the top of Winnats Pass and head around Mam Tor on the broken road before heading to Castleton for our first feed stop.
From here we head onto the moors with another tasty gravel climb (2.4km at 8.5%) and head up to Heathersage and around the Redmires Reservoirs.
The way back to Bakewell takes us back on the moors with some wild and rugged views over the Peaks and some long, fast sections. Save something in the legs for the sixth and final climb at the 88km mark, but once you are over this 2km gravel climb it’s all downhill from there!
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
92km
Elevation:
2200m
Difficulty:
5/5
Medium Route
The medium route cuts off 37km, 950m of elevation and two of the bigger climbs of the day. The split is at 17km and you can make a decision at that point which ride you want to do.
This option misses out the section to Mam Tor but still includes a lot of wild riding in the moors and takes in some great views around the Dark Peak.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
55km
Elevation:
1250m
Difficulty:
3.5/5
Short Route
A really nice short route taking in a mix of back roads long gravel sections. Ideal for an intro to gravel of for people still finding their fitness, the short route takes out two of the climbs of the medium route but there is still one climb to get your legs going.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 70%
Distance:
44km
Elevation:
550m
Difficulty:
2/5
Bike Selection & Packing List
Bike Choice: The route is largely off road on mixed terrain with some lumpier sections 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 40-50mm all rounder gravel tyre will be ideal.
Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2 etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence.
Clothing: Mid June in the Peaks should be nice but even if the forecast is good, the weather can be very changeable so pack layers & a waterproof jacket. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes just outside Bakewell. 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.
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.