OVERVIEW
A true Peak District epic fitting for one of our 6 Gravel Monuments of 2026.
Starting at 6am, you have 15 hours to cover over 200km through the rugged Dark Peak and then the more flowing gravel trails in the White Peak. Set in beautiful Bakewell, this ride takes you into the heart of the Peak District with a great deal of variety and stunning views to keep your going through a (very) long day in the saddle!
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
- A massive journey through the White & Dark Peaks
- Enjoy fast flowing gravel on old train lines and rugged off road sections in the Dark Peak
- Make a weekend of it with camping available in beautiful Bakewell.
What to expect
A ride with a bit of everything. The Dark Peak is more rugged with rougher off road sections. The second half in the White Peak is mostly smoother but there are still plenty of climbs to keep you honest.
Ride difficulty
This is a ride for experienced off roaders. There is a lot of climbing throughout the day as well as a real mix of terrain from smooth gravel to more technical bridleways & byways.
The Double Peak *****
***** 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
60% of the route is off road mostly on long sections of gravel but be prepared for a real mix on the day.
The Double Peak ****
***** 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 slightly wider gravel all-rounder tyre (40-50mm) will be ideal for the ride.
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
3rd June: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
5th June: Join us on Friday night for food, pub quiz & fun under the stars. Camping available on Friday & Saturday night.
6th June: 5.30am: Ride village at Bakewell Showgrounds opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
6th June: 6am – Double Peak starts. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off all together.
6th June: 9pm: Finish line closes
6th June: 10pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
ROUTE DETAILS
the DOUBLE peak
A monumental ride fit for one of the UK’s most beautiful National Parks.
The route starts in Bakewell and heads north to the famous broken road up Mam Tor before heading East to the reservoirs and moors of the Dark Peak.
We head back to Bakewell at the half way point and jump onto the Monsal Trail before some flowing miles on the High Peak & Tissington Trail. Save your legs for a couple of punchy climbs out of Rowsley before rolling back to Bakewell before sunset!
Percentage of Route Off Road: 60%
Distance: 203km
Elevation: 3,830m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
CENTURION
We start from Thruxton Motorcircuit and head west to the Plain. Our first off road section is at 7km and we head towards Stonehenge for an early sighting of this ancient monument.
From here, we head onto the Plain for a long, glorious section on the gravel with a feed stop at around 40km, a climb at 54km and then a long, fun descent off the Plain.
The second feed comes at 75km before a mix of rolling gravel & off road sections through the woods to get back to Thruxton.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 70%
Distance: 100km
Elevation: 1,200m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
We start from Thruxton Motorcircuit and head west to the Plain. Our first off road section is at 7km and we head towards Stonehenge for an early sighting of this ancient monument.
From here, we head onto the Plain for a long, glorious section on the gravel with a feed stop at around 40km, a climb at 54km and then a long, fun descent off the Plain.
The second feed comes at 75km before a mix of rolling gravel & off road sections through the woods to get back to Thruxton.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 70%
Distance: 100km
Elevation: 1,200m
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 at Bakewell Showgrounds. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email.
Camping is available for £15 per night per tent or per campervan / motorhome at Bakewell Showgrounds. Add this in the checkout when you book your entry.
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 Salisbury Plain Easter Epic starts at Thruxton Circuit, just off the A303 and within 1hr30 of West London.
The nearest big town is Andover which has plenty of accommodation options.
Camping is available on Friday & Saturday night at Thruxton Circuit.
The nearest train station is Andover (6 miles away) with trains from London Waterloo.
Make a weekend of it
On the bike, come on Friday afternoon and camping under the stars at Thruxton Circuit. In the ride village you will find plenty of options for food & drink.
After your ride on Saturday, stay and watch the Tour and explore the ride village.
On Sunday, join us for a coffee spin in the morning to Stonehenge.
Make a weekend of it
On the bike, come on Friday afternoon and enjoy camping under the stars at Thruxton Circuit. In the ride village you will find plenty of options for food & drink.
After your ride on Saturday, stay and watch the Tour and explore the ride village.
On Sunday, join us for a coffee spin in the morning to Stonehenge.
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
