OVERVIEW
One of our four gravel monuments of the year. Prepare for one of the toughest rides of the season!
The Triple Crown takes in three distinct routes around Kielder. Loop one is a classic 57km in the forest with a couple of tough climbs all on smooth fire roads.
Loop two is wilder and more rugged heading into Scotland, one of the few rides that takes in a border crossing!
And finally, with over 115km in the legs, the final loop heads around Kielder Water before finishing at Kielder Castle.
This monument is definitely a one to mark down in the diary to aim and train for in the 2025 season as one of the best gravel destinations in the UK, if not the world.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Three distinct loops taking in as much gravel as Kielder Forest can throw at you.
- Cross the border into Scotland and explore the rugged and wild terrain of the Borders.
- The remoteness of one of the best gravel destinations in the UK
What to expect
There’s no two ways about it, this is a big day out and expect to be in the saddle for most of the day. There is climbing throughout starting with a 7km incline on Forest Drive and over 3,500m of elevation on the long route. It’s mostly on smooth fire roads with very little technical stuff.
Ride difficulty
The short route is suitable for riders of all abilities but both the medium & long routes are very challenging. Each of the three crowns has over 1,000m of elevation and we expect the long route to take 9-12hrs.
Long Route *****
Medium Route *****
Short 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
About 85% of the route is off road with the vast majority being on smooth fire roads. During the week there is a lot of forestry work here and in places the gravel can be deep.
On the second crown into Scotland, the trails are rougher but offer amazing views and the final loop around Kielder Water is smooth.
Long Route ***
Medium 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 standard, all-rounder tyre (40-50mm) will be fine for this route.
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
28th August: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
30th August: 7.00am: Ride village at Forest of Dean opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
30th August: 7.30am to 8.00am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
30th August: 8pm: Rider village closes.
30th August: 9pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
ROUTE DETAILS
TRIPLE CROWN
One of the highlights of the UK gravel calendar. The Kielder Triple Crown is 85%off road and gets about as remote as you can in Britain, miles away from the nearest town or car.
The ride starts out of the small town of Kielder, past the castle and straight into the woods on the appropriately named Forest Drive, a loggers gravel road Mon to Fri and cyclists’ playground at the weekend.
The climbing starts early (first climb comes at 5km) and the route is punchy througout. The first feed is at 35km by which time you have done a 3km and 4.5km uphill and two long descents.
After returning to Kielder, we head out on loop two into the Scottish Borders on the Bloody Bush Trail with two climbs to get over (7km & 6km) before a long descent to Newcastleton for some well earned food. After a more gradual climb back we arrive back in Kielder and then start the final crown.
The last loop is the longest at 72km and contains over 1,250m of elevation. There are no major climbs but this section is lumpy throughout as we go around the Water and south into Wark Forest before finishing back by the castle.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 85%
Distance: 186km
Elevation: 3,650m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
DOUBLE CROWN
One of the best 114km routes in Britain. The Double Crown includes the Forest loop & Borders loop. With over 2,000m of climbing and a real variety of terrain, this is a very challenging route and we expect this to take most riders 6.5 – 10 hours.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 85%
Distance: 114km
Elevation: 2,400m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
DOUBLE CROWN
One of the best 114km routes in Britain. The Double Crown includes the Forest loop & Borders loop. With over 2,000m of climbing and a real variety of terrain, this is a very challenging route and we expect this to take most riders 6.5 – 10 hours.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 85%
Distance: 114km
Elevation: 2,400m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
SHORT ROUTE
The Kielder Crown does the first loop only of the long route so it’s two long climbs (3km and 4.5km) before the first feed and then a rolling 24km back to Kielder with stunning views of the Water. Almost entirely off-road, this is a great gravel ride anyone looking for a wild, remote adventure without having to commit to a massive day on the bike.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 95%
Distance: 57km
Elevation: 1,100m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes at Kielder Castle. 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.
Book your camping pitch for tents or campervans in Kielder here – https://www.kieldercampsite.co.uk/events/events
Prices from £15 per person a short ride from the ride start / finish.
LOCAL AREA
The ride starts in Kielder which is a trek from anywhere. It’s right up on the English / Scottish border and as remote a town as you will find in England.
For accommodation, the best option is the campsite in Kielder (you can book here – https://www.kieldercampsite.co.uk/events/events or there are a few small hotels / pubs / b&bs in the area and lodges at Kielder Waterside.
We will have food options in Kielder this year on both the Friday & Saturday night.
Make a weekend of it
Kielder Forest is the largest forest in England and makes for a great long weekend.
Due to the nature of the ride, starting early and finishing late, you need to be close by on Fri & Sat night. If we are lucky to get a clear night, the dark skies here give amazing views and it’s one of the best places in the country for stargazing. There is an observatory not far from Kielder if you want the full experience.
On Sunday, take on one of the many hiking routes in the area or head to Kielder Waterside and try kayaking, paddleboarding and more on the lake.
If this is a long journey for you, there are lots of great places a drive away including Melrose Abbey in the borders or we love both Lindisfarne & Bamburgh Castle on the Northumberland Coast.
Make a weekend of it
Kielder Forest is the largest forest in England and makes for a great long weekend.
Due to the nature of the ride, starting early and finishing late, you need to be close by on Fri & Sat night. If we are lucky to get a clear night, the dark skies here give amazing views and it’s one of the best places in the country for stargazing. There is an observatory not far from Kielder if you want the full experience.
On Sunday, take on one of the many hiking routes in the area or head to Kielder Waterside and try kayaking, paddleboarding and more on the lake.
If this is a long journey for you, there are lots of great places a drive away including Melrose Abbey in the borders or we love both Lindisfarne & Bamburgh Castle on the Northumberland Coast.
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
