Long Route
86km | 2335m
Medium Route
62km | 1650m
Ride Overview
A stunning & punchy route starting in the glorious Llandegla Forest with miles of smooth gravel, then traversing the epic Clwydian Range before crossing the border into England and via the Dee Valley & then back to Llandegla via the legendary Horseshoe Pass.
This route throws everything a gravel bike can take at you with stunning climbs on the road, hilltop gravel tracks and a final 6km descent on one of the most fun blue graded mountain bike trails in the country. All with some very challenging climbs & amazing views in the middle of summer.
Highlights
Flowing, smooth gravel tracks and trails through the beautiful Llandegla Forest
- Epic views of the Clwydian Range and Eryri National Park.
- Ride along side the tranquil River Dee & cross the border into England.
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
15th August: GPX files and pre ride briefing sent by email to each rider.
17th August – 7.30am: Ride village at Llandegla Forest opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
17th August – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
17th August – 6pm: Rider village closes
17th August – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email
Long Route
As varied a route as you could wish for with all sorts of scenery & terrain…
Starting off in the stunning Llandegla Forest, the first 6.5km is on private gravel trails and a perfect warm up for the legs. Heading south (and mostly downhill) to Llangollen, we stop quickly at the first feed stop and then hit farm tracks and gravel trails to the English border.
After a punchy climb back into Wales, we then hit some great gravel trails on the ridges with some sweeping views & then enjoy a long (4km) gravel descent to our lunchstop.
After this stop we hit the long but gentle climb up Horseshoe Pass, a top 100 climb averaging 5% for nearly 6km. After a short descent we ride back into Llandegla Forest and enjoy an epic final 6km on a fun blue run all the way to the finish line.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
86km
Elevation:
2335m
Difficulty:
5/5
Medium Route
The medium route chops out the South East part of the route that dips into England and misses a couple of the nastier climbs of the day.
The split is at 17km and you then hit a punchy gravel climb before joining the long route in time for the 4km gravel descent, 2nd feed stop and long climb up Horseshoe Pass before the 6km blue run finish back in Llandegla Forest.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 50%
Distance:
62km
Elevation:
1650m
Difficulty:
4/5
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: With some longer sections on back roads and most of the off road on smooth forest trails, this ride is ideal for gravel bikes. Mountain bikes will be fine but slower, road bikes are not allowed. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides.
Tyre Choice: We will send an update on conditions closer to the ride. In normal conditions we suggest fast rolling or all rounder, 38mm to 45mm tyre width should be ideal.
Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2, foil blanket etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence.
Clothing: Likely to be nice at this time of the year but we go high & remote and have long descents so layer up accordingly (arm & leg / knee warmers, gilet, waterproof jacket etc). Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes at Llandegla Forest. 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 8.30am 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.