EPic Route
109km | 1750m
Medium Route
77km | 1200m
Short Route
42km | 550m
Ride Overview
An early summer gravel EPIC. Choose between the short 44km route on (relatively) flat / rolling terrain, the medium 77km option or the full, epic, 109km route including some epic gravel to the north of the White Peak.
All of the routes take in parts of the classic trails in the area including Monsal, Tissington & High Peak as well as some secret local spots. An epic day out in one of the most stunning National Parks in the UK.
Highlights
- Ride sections of the classic Monsal, Tissington & High Peak Trails going way off the beaten track.
- Make a weekend of it – camping available for £5 and ride the Dark Peak Gravel Epic on the Sunday
- Beautiful views over one of England’s most popular National Parks.
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
13th June: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
15th June – 7.45am: Ride village in Bakewell opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
15th June – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
15th June – 6.30pm: Rider village closes
15th June – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
EPIC Route
The classic gravel epic in the glorious Peak District.
Starting in Bakewell, we make our way to the Monsal trail to warm up the legs before we reach the biggest climb of the day at Miller’s Dale
After a quick feed stop, we head south on the Tissington Trail making the most of the re-purposed Victorian railway’s perfect gravel until it’s time to dive over the county boundary into Staffordshire.
We then head East to the High Peak trail with some lovely views of the Peaks and a couple of punchy little local climbs (including Larkstone Lane, a top 100 road climb averaging 6.2% over 1.9km).
After a final stop near Matlock, we head into the Moors with two punchy off road climbs (both 2.5km, save something in your legs for these!!) before a fun descent back into Bakewell.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 65%
Distance:
109km
Elevation:
1750m
Difficulty:
4/5
Medium Route
The medium route cuts off 32km and 550m of elevation and the vast majority of the route is off road on a mix of the Monsal, Tissington and High Peak trails.
There are three off road climbs to get over (3km, 2.5km and 2.5km) which are challenging but the rest of the ride is quick and a good option for newer gravel riders.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance:
77km
Elevation:
1200m
Difficulty:
3/5
Short Route
A really nice short route taking in a mix of back roads long gravel sections. Ideal for an intro to gravel of for people still finding their fitness, the short route takes out two of the climbs of the medium route but there is still one climb to get your legs going.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 70%
Distance:
44km
Elevation:
550m
Difficulty:
2/5
Bike Selection & Packing List
Bike Choice: The route is largely off road on good quality gravel so we recommend a gravel bike though a mountain bike will be fine. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides.
Tyre Choice: We will send an update on conditions closer to the ride. The gravel on the route is mostly smooth so a 35-40mm all rounder gravel tyre will be ideal.
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: Mid June in the Peaks should be nice but even if the forecast is good, the weather can be very changeable so pack layers & a waterproof jacket. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes just outside Bakewell. 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.