OVERVIEW
Ride parts of the Pilgrims way and North Downs way and follow in the steps of a route which was first used in 1172.
The Kent Gravel Epic takes in the best off road sections of this corner of South East England and dips into Dover to briefly see the coast before finishing with a gravel lap of Lydden Hill circuit.
The trails are generally easy going and any road sections are generally on quiet back roads. With varied views of rolling hills & picturesque villages, this is an off road classic for mid summer.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Follow in the footsteps of early pilgrims in the glorious Kent countryside
- Ride classic off road trails including the Pilgrims and North Downs Way
- Complete an off road century (100km) on the long route finishing with a lap on the gravel of Lydden Hill.
What to expect
50% of the route is on tarmac, the off road is a mix of singletrack, gravel trails and farm tracks. Expect plenty of climbs all day and a full day in the saddle.
Ride difficulty
Kent is a lumpy place for cyclists but the harder climbs are in the other corner of the county. The route is full of climbs both on and off road with the longest climb being 4km at 4%. It’s a tough day out but most riders should be able to get round this course.
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
50% of the route is on tarmac . The off road is a mix of some well kept gravel trails and some bumpier farmtracks which can be rooty and rutted if dry and muddy when wet.
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 slightly wider gravel all-rounder tyre (40-50mm) will be ideal.
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
5th June: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
7th June: 7.45am: Ride village at Lydden Hill opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
7th June: 8am to 8,45amm: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
7th June: 6pm: Rider village closes.
7th June: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
ROUTE DETAILS
LONG ROUTE
Setting off with a lap of Lydden Hill race circuit, we head north towards Canterbury with our first long gravel section coming at 5km.
From just west of Canterbury, we pick up the Pilgrims Way towards Ashford. This off road section includes the longest climb of the day (3.8km at 3%).
After a feed stop we head South East on a mix of backroads and bridleways all the way to near the coast in Dover. The terrain is a mix of flat, rolling hills and a couple of short, sharp climbs that Kent is famous for.
After a climb out of Dover the final 20km is rolling before a finish on the gravel circuit of Lydden Hill. A big but stunning day on the bike for early June.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance: 100km
Elevation: 1550m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
The medium route mirrors the long route for the first 60km so you can decide at this point whether to go the direct route (17km to go) or complete your century ride.
The section back to the finish from the split is on backroads with two short inclines before a finish on the gravel lap of Lydden Hill.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance: 75km
Elevation: 1,150m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
The medium route mirrors the long route for the first 60km so you can decide at this point whether to go the direct route (17km to go) or complete your century ride.
The section back to the finish from the split is on backroads with two short inclines before a finish on the gravel lap of Lydden Hill.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance: 75km
Elevation: 1,550m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
SHORT ROUTE
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Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance: 104km
Elevation: 750m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes at Lydden Hill. 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.
LOCAL AREA
The Kent Gravel Epic starts at Lydden Hill, 5 miles from Dover.
If you are looking for somewhere to stay, you could head to the coast in Dover or Deal, or stay in historic Canterbury 15 mins to the north.
The nearest train station is 2 miles away in Shepherdswell.
Make a weekend of it
Complete your day with a visit to the Secret Nuclear Bunker itself. This is a fascinating place, designed to protect up to 600 people including the Prime Minister whose job was to “organise the survival of the population in the awful aftermath of a nuclear war.”
On the site is a high ropes course and the area is packed with lovely country pubs perfect for a post ride pint or Sunday roast if you are staying overnight.
Make a weekend of it
Complete your day with a visit to the Secret Nuclear Bunker itself. This is a fascinating place, designed to protect up to 600 people including the Prime Minister whose job was to “organise the survival of the population in the awful aftermath of a nuclear war.”
On the site is a high ropes course and the area is packed with lovely country pubs perfect for a post ride pint or Sunday roast if you are staying overnight.
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
