Description
Ride Overview
One of our best & most remote rides of the year, the Yorkshire Dales Gravel Epic packs in beautiful back roads and some long, sweeping gravel sections. Starting from Skipton, we head up to Settle via Malham and then along the Pennine Way up to Semer Water and almost 35km of remote, stunning off road riding. On the way home there is a gravel climb before a quick descent back to Skipton. A glorious, remote and challenging 108km loop.
Distance: 108km | Elevation: 2,357m
Bike & Tyre Choice: The route is 50% backroads and 50% gravel trails with a couple of short hike a bike sections. Overall, we recommend a gravel bike with 40mm tyres but a mountain bike will be good on the off road sections. We will send info on terrain conditions before the ride.
Countdown to October 24th
Ride Highlights
– Beautiful remote riding in the Yorkshire Dales
– One of the best 35km off road sections in the country
– Ride parts of the Pennine Way
– Social drink at the finish village
The Route
Skipton: 108km, 2357m
Starting in Skipton, we head off road within 2km for a short climb and then hit the backroads past Malham and a technical section to Settle. After a feed stop. we hit the beautiful gravel of the Pennine Way heading north and start to get more remote.
At the half way point we hit some tarmac for 5km before getting to the most remote off road sections around Semer Water and heading south. This includes some glorious gravel and epic views in all directions.
After such a long off road section, we have a fast and welcome 14km back on the tarmac before one last gravel climb before a long (14km) descent part on gravel and part on tarmac. In total there 5 main climbs, 4 of which are gravel on a lumpy but very rewarding route.
FAQs
What type of bike should I ride?
This route is ideal for gravel bikes with wide (40mm plus) tyres due to the 50/50 split of back roads and gravel sections. A mountain bike would be fine though a bit slower on the tarmac. Road bikes are not suitable for this ride. We have carbon gravel bikes from Pearson available to hire for the day. E bikes are not allowed on this ride.
How do I find out my start time?
We will send you an email after you have booked to choose your start time between 8am and 10am, if you are riding with a friend you can choose to start with them.
Where is the start / finish?
The ride starts and finishes in Skipton. There is free parking onsite as well as toilets & refreshments.
What happens if I have a mechanical / accident?
We have first aiders & mechanics at all the feed stops and ride captains along the route to support.
What shall I pack with me for the ride?
You need to have a water bottle, basic kit to repair punctures, inner tubes & riding with a helmet is compulsory. Our feed stops have water, coke, cake, fruit & the best tasting sports nutrition bars & nut butters from Outdoor Provisions.
When will I get my GPX file
Our local team do a final recon ride 1 week before the event and can make final tweeks then based on route conditions. We will then send out the route GPX within one week of the ride.
New To Gravel Riding?
Rent a Pearson Off Grid bike (£49)
Available in all sizes
Mechanics on hand for bike fitting
Pre ride briefing
Discover the Off Grid HERE
