Long Route
111km | 899m
Medium Route
83km | 649m
Ride Overview
A fast & flat gravel century ride!
Taking in North Norfolk’s finest country lanes, trails, stately homes and seaside views, we follow the ancient Peddar’s Way before the long route continues up to the coast at Hunstanton and then along the dunes & marshes on the Norfolk Coast. This ride is perfect for anybody looking for minimal elevation change, but fine gravel and a great day on the bike.
Make a weekend of it with camping available…
Highlights
Take in a large chunk of the ancient Peddars Way (perhaps even spot the Ghostly East Anglian hound – Black Shuck!).
- Beautiful gravel byways separated by quiet country lanes.
- Feel the sea breeze on the long route as we hug the coast in Hunstanton.
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
1st August: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
3rd August – 7.30am: Ride village at Fakenham Racecourse opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
3rd August – 7.45am to 9am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
3rd August – 6pm: Rider village closes
3rd August – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email
Long Route
Starting at Fakenham Racecourse, we wind through gravel sections and country lanes before taking the Peddars Way north. After 43km, refresh yourself at the first feed stop before turning east.
After some quiet rolling lanes, we reach Hunstanton to take in coastal views with close to 10km on bike paths and back lanes next to the sea followed by a section past the dunes and marshes to the east of Hunstanton.
Following this, we turn south, with the second feed stop at the 100km mark. Then follows a steady 20km back to the racecourse.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 40%
Distance:
111km
Elevation:
899m
Difficulty:
Medium Route
This option follows the first half of the Long route, taking in the Peddars way and both feed stops.
After 48km, we turn back inland rather than going out to the coast before rejoining the long route just before the second feed stop.
If you’re after a long but sub 100km ride, still taking in the finest lanes and byways North Norfolk has to offer then this is a great option.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 45%
Distance:
83km
Elevation:
649m
Difficulty:
Short Route
The short route follows the medium for the majority of the day but cuts off a section in the middle and near the end to make this nearly 20km shorter. With some nice variety on the off road sections & very little climbing, this is ideal for riders of all abilities.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 55%
Distance:
47km
Elevation:
350m
Difficulty:
Bike Selection & Packing List
Bike Choice: Smooth off-road sections and plenty of quiet but slightly deteriorated country lanes mean a gravel bike will be most efficient for this route. Mountain bikes will be fine, though there is not much in terms of technical riding to take on. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides.
Tyre Choice: We will send an update on conditions closer to the ride. Expect excellent gravel and byways, that could get a little sandy in places. A 40mm fast rolling gravel tyre will be perfect.
Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2, foil blanket etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence.
Clothing: Likely to be nice at this time of the year so don’t forget suncream. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes at Fakenham Racecourse. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email.
Camping is available on Friday & Saturday night at Fakenham Racecourse. This is available to book here – https://norfolkcoast-caravancampingholidays.co.uk/
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 8.30am 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.