Long Route
79km | 2050m
Medium Route
60km | 1400m
Ride Overview
Snowdonia, or Eryri as it is now known, needs no introduction. Seen as one of the UK’s true adventure hotspots this ride makes the most of this beautiful National Park.
There are tough & long gravel climbs galore (5 on the long route) but the views over the tree topped plateaus are as epic as it gets.
The Eryri Gravel Epic is perfect for off road climbers and anyone with a sense of adventure looking to escape into parts of untouched Britain for an unforgettable day on the gravel.
Highlights
- Ride through hidden sections of Wales’ most visited national Park
- Tackle epic hills including some of the longest gravel climbs to soak up the views on hidden plateaus
- Complete our hardest ride in Wales and one of the hilliest in our calander
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
16th May : GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
18th May – 7.45am: Ride village near Plas Y Brenin Activity Centre opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
18th May – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
18th May – 6pm: Rider village closes
18th May – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Long Route
Setting off from near to Plas Y Brenin Activity Centre a flat valley road is the ideal way to warm up before the climbing commences.
Steep gravel climbs, hill top plateaus and epic descents characterise this ride. After a short flat start, the ride hits it’s first major climb (4.7km at 5.8% with some steep bits) and then we are into the hills for the next 60km. There are 5 off road climbs in total to get over, the toughest is 4.2km at 7.2% but all on well maintained, fast rolling gravel.
The long route takes in 3 distinct forests in the area each with their own character so despite the challenging terrain there is so much to see in all directions to keep the mind busy on the long climbs. The final 10km is the easiest with a fast descent and flat section before finishing with a cold beer.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance:
79km
Elevation:
2050m
Difficulty:
4.5/5
Medium Route
The medium route mirrors the long route at the begining of the ride however cuts off the hilliest 20km around Penmachno before rejoining the long route. Dont be fooled into thinking this route isnt just as tough but there are plenty of views to stop and soak up on the way.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance:
60km
Elevation:
1400m
Difficulty:
3.5/5
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:
1/5
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. This ride is very hilly with some steep gravel sections, low gearing (1:1 ratio) is advised. 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: May in Wales could be anything so check the forecast. We will send an update the week before the ride but we always recommend bringing a wind layer for the early start along with sun-cream. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes near Plas Y Brenin Activity Centre in Capel Curig. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments.
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.