Long Route
97km | 1750m
Medium Route
72km | 1250m
Short Route
53km | 900m
Ride Overview
A classic gravel ride in the ancient woodlands of the Forest of Dean. This stunning area right on the Welsh border is packed with pristine, smooth gravel trails and a few punchy climbs to keep you honest.
This ride is ideal for newer gravel riders due to the smooth trails and anyone wanting to get off the beaten track. Nearly 85% of the route is off road through woodlands and sections near the beautiful River Wye.
Highlights
- A classic Forest of Dean loop with over 85% of the route off road on fast flowing, smooth gravel, this is ideal for all riders. Plus, an all new Long Route!
- Stunning sections through the Forest of Dean & Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- A real mix of terrain with fast, flowing sections, stretches of flat by the river and three punchy off road climbs.
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
12th Sept: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
14th Sept – 7.30am: Ride village opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
14th Sept – 8.00am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
14th Sept – 5.30pm: Rider village closes
14th Sept – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Long Route
An all new long route for 2024. We start off with 30km of smooth gravel in the heart of the Forest of Dean before heading south and veering off from the other routes.
After a short section on tarmac, we get to the shores of the River Wye and follow the river north staying close to the river for 30km. A couple of times we come inland with some punchy climbs but the views are well worth it!
We head back to the finish via a couple of tasty off road climbs before a final 10km on smooth gravel.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 80%
Distance:
97km
Elevation:
1750m
Difficulty:
4/5
Medium Route
The ride starts in Worcester Lodge right in the heart of the Forest of Dean. The first 30km is all on the smooth gravel within the Forest with a couple of short rolling sections and plenty of flat & short downhills, an ideal warm up for the tougher parts to come.
Heading out of the Forest we turn North West towards the River Wye & the Welsh Border. The main challenge of the ride is the three climbs within the next 20km, starting with a gentle 3km ascent & then the challenging Kymin Hill – 1.3km at a very punchy 9.4%!
From here we along the River Wye for 6km to get your legs back before a final climb (2km at 6%) and a fast finish back in the Forest.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 85%
Distance:
72km
Elevation:
1250m
Difficulty:
3/5
Short Route
A perfect ride for newer gravel cyclists or a relaxed spring gravel sportive.
This route starts with 30km in the Forest which is relatively quick on rolling terrain and smooth gravel. You then do the first climb of the long route (3km at 4%) before a short road climb and then coming back into the Forest for a fast finish and a well earned beer!
Percentage of Route Off Road: 80%
Distance:
53km
Elevation:
900m
Difficulty:
2/5
Bike Selection & Packing List
Bike Choice: Either a hardtail or gravel bike would be suitable for this ride, preference would depend on the weather and conditions at the time. If wet, either a hardtail MTB or gravel bike with wider, knobbly tyres would be best. If it”s dry, a grave bike with all rounder tyres would be ideal. Please see options for this in the checkout. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides.
Tyre Choice: Weather dependent – either 45mm plus knobblies for wet conditions or 35-45mm all rounders for normal conditions.
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: Likely to be fresh in the morning at this time of the year so layer up accordingly (arm & leg / knee warmers, gilet, waterproof jacket etc). Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes at Worcester Lodge in the heart of the Forest of Dean. 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.