OVERVIEW
Get ready for one of the best days you are going to have on a gravel bike in the UK, and quite possibly the world.
The route takes in in wide gravel trails, ferry crossings, sublime singletrack, epic scenery across mountains & lochs and miles of true escapism nothingness.
All in all, this is going to be a massive day out on the bike and for sure one to aim for in 2025.
Camping available on Saturday & Sunday night to make this a true Scottish adventure long weekend. We also have a coffee ride available on the Saturday going north from Cardross and exploring a different area than Sunday’s epic.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS:
- Famous gravel trails of Loch Ard Forest
- Getting the ferry twice over Loch Lomond to really make this ride an adventure
- True escapism & incredible views in the wild Arrochar Alps
What to expect
Quite possibly the toughest one day gravel ride in the UK with 200km & nearly 4,000m of elevation.
The medium route is flowy on smooth gravel – suitable for most riders. The long route is massive. There is an option to cut 45km on the far side of Loch Lomond if needed but you will need to be in excellent shape for this and expect it to take 12hrs plus.
Ride difficulty
The medium route stays on the Aberfoyle side of Loch Lomond. The route is rolling throughout with plenty of smaller climbs & descents. There are two main climbs – 1.5km at 6% and a pitchy 6km at 3.5%. This should take 4 to 7hrs.
The long route is our hardest ride of the year. The 76km on the far side of Loch Lomond is punchy to say the least. All of this section is up or down as we head down to sea level, then up to over 200m a total of 4 times.
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
Nearly all of the route is off road on some super smooth gravel. On the other side of Loch Lomond, there are a couple of technical sections suited more to experienced off roaders.
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. For the medium route, a standard 35-45mm tyre will be fine. You will want something wider (40-50mm) for the long route.
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
22nd May: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
24th May: Optional 48km coffee spin to Brig o’ Turk
25th May: 6.00am: Ride village in Cardross Estate opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
25th May: 6.30am to 7am – long route starts. 8am to 8.15am – medium route starts. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
25th May: 8pm: Rider village closes.
25th May: 9pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
ROUTE DETAILS
LONG ROUTE
Starting at Cardross Estate just outside of Aberfoyle, the brand new route for 2025, part of our Monument series, is definitely one to add to the bucket list of rides to tick off in your gravel riding life.
The route will first take you into Loch Ard Forest on some of the best gravel in the UK. After a long loop of the forest, the route takes you past Loch Chon and Loch Arklet and down to the ferry at Inversnaid to take you across Loch Lomond.
The Western part of the route takes in a loop of the Arrochar Alps on some stunning singletrack and gravel trails. After the loop on the West side of Loch Lomond, you will hop back on the ferry to head back into Loch Ard Forest on the trails high above the Loch and wind your way back to Cardross via Aberfoyle.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance: 200km
Elevation: 3,950m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
The medium route stays on the Aberfoyle side of Loch Lomond and avoids the climbs near Inversnaid.
The gravel on most of this route is excellent; Aberfoyle’s reputation as the best gravel spot in the UK is well earned and this is a great 92km route to discover the best of it.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 70%
Distance: 92km
Elevation: 1,400m
Difficulty:
Technical Difficulty:
Medium ROUTE
The medium route stays on the Aberfoyle side of Loch Lomond and avoids the climbs near Inversnaid.
The gravel on most of this route is excellent; Aberfoyle’s reputation as the best gravel spot in the UK is well earned and this is a great 92km route to discover the best of it.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 70%
Distance: 92km
Elevation: 1,400m
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 Cardross Estate, 7 miles from Aberfoyle. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments. We will send the ride village address by email.
Yes, you can book your camping spot for tents or campervans at the ride village 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.
Make a weekend of it
Aberfoyle is famous as being one of the home’s of gravel cycling in the UK and this weekend offers you all of our favourite sections in the area.
There are hotels in Aberfoyle or book your camping spot at the ride village in Cardross Estate. On the Saturday, we have a 47km coffee spin before a very full day of riding on Sunday.
This is a bank holiday weekend so whilst you’re in the area, head out from a hike in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park (start at The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre) or slightly further afield go for a cruise on Loch Lomond or visit Stirling Castle (30 mins away).
Make a weekend of it
Aberfoyle is famous as being one of the home’s of gravel cycling in the UK and this weekend offers you all of our favourite sections in the area.
There are hotels in Aberfoyle or book your camping spot at the ride village in Cardross Estate. On the Saturday, we have a 47km coffee spin before a very full day of riding on Sunday.
This is a bank holiday weekend so whilst you’re in the area, head out from a hike in Queen Elizabeth Forest Park (start at The Lodge Forest Visitor Centre) or slightly further afield go for a cruise on Loch Lomond or visit Stirling Castle (30 mins away).
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
