OVERVIEW
Cycle through the untapped beauty of Northumberland on wide gravel tracks, backroads and bridleways without seeing another soul for miles on end.
The Northumberland Gravel Epic showcases the quieter gravel of the region, linking up a number of forests with small villages to create a highlights showreel of this lesser visited part of Northumberland.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Setting off from the picturesque market town of Rothbury and soon getting into the swing of the ride by climbing up through the Simonside hills on red gravel roads.
- Riding sections of the Sandstone Way, created by Ted Liddle, which may entice you to come back to the region.
- For the long route riders, experiencing the wilderness of Kidland Forest, reaching an elevation of nearly 500 metres by climbing up the gravel hairpins of the Devil's Staircase.
What to expect
This is a tough ride with plenty of climbing (especially the long route). Most of the gravel is smooth but there are some rockier sections.
Ride difficulty
This is a punchy ride with long climbs, particularly out of Rothbury for both routes and the challenging 24km loop on the long route.
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
The ride has a lot of variety from smooth gravel trails to slightly heavier trails, some grassy sections & a few short rocky bits. Suitable for all riders.
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 and would recommend wider tyres for this one (40-50mm)
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
30th July: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
2nd Aug: 7.45am: Ride village in Rothbury opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
2nd Aug: 8am to 8,45am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
2nd Aug: 6pm: Rider village closes.
2nd Aug: 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
ROUTE DETAILS
LONG ROUTE
Starting in Rothbury, the route climbs up through the gravel of the Simonside Hills to catch a glimpse of the Cheviot Hills and into Scotland (on a clear day).
The route then continues on fast gravel tracks through Harwood Forest, to descend the infamous Gibbert and to the first feedstop in the village of Elsdon.
The route then heads uphill towards the Otterburn ranges on a mixture of undulating fast gravel and tarmac roads.
After the next feed stop near Alwinton, the long route riders take on Kidland forest. A mixture of smooth gravel tracks and grassy bridleways to descend the spectacular old Drove Road, Clennell street and back to the last feed stop.
The last part of the route follows quiet back lanes, what Northumberland is renowned for with cyclists, and finally climbs up on gravel roads to descend back to Rothbury.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 70%
Distance: 98km
Elevation: 2000m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
The medium route follows the same route as the long, however misses out the loop in Kidland Forest.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 65%
Distance: 74km
Elevation: 1450m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
The medium route follows the same path as the long route but skips the loop north in Kidland Forest (including one massive climb).
Percentage of Route Off Road: 65%
Distance: 74km
Elevation: 1450m
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 in Rothbury. 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 ride starts & finishes in Rothbury where there are plenty of hotels, restaurants & pubs.
This is a tough ride to get to by public transport with no train stations nearby.
Make a weekend of it
This is a stunning region and well worth making a weekend of it.
The Northumberland Coast is one of the hidden gems of the UK, we love Bamburgh Castle (45 mins away).
If you want some more gravel riding, Kielder Forest is an hour west.
For some other tourist attractions, Holy Island is an hour north, Newcastle is 45 mins south and there are numerous castles to check out within 30 mins.
Make a weekend of it
This is a stunning region and well worth making a weekend of it.
The Northumberland Coast is one of the hidden gems of the UK, we love Bamburgh Castle (45 mins away).
If you want some more gravel riding, Kielder Forest is an hour west.
For some other tourist attractions, Holy Island is an hour north, Newcastle is 45 mins south and there are numerous castles to check out within 30 mins.
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
