Long Route
114km | 1500m
Medium Route
84km | 1050m
Short Route
62km | 750m
Ride Overview
A full day out, capturing all the gems of the North Yorkshire coast. Add in dense forest gravel riding and prime bridleway pedalling to make this route a gravel bikers paradise.
Starting in the seaside town of Scarborough, the route takes you away from the coast towards dense forests, before climbing towards dramatic viewpoints high above sea level, the route then joins the famous Cinder Track to gradually wind your way back south along the coast to finish back at Scarborough.
Highlights
- Ride parts of the former railway line, the Cinder Track, a smooth gravel track taking you along the picturesque North Yorkshire Shores.
- Pedal in the seemingly never-ending gravel tracks of the forests of the North Yorkshire Moors.
- Take in the best North Yorkshire Moors has to offer in one ride, shores, forests, moors and valleys.
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
30th May: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
1st June – 7.30am: Ride village in Scarborough opens. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
1st June – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
1st June – 6.30pm: Rider village closes
1st June – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Long Route
The ride starts in Scarbrough and after a pedal along the sea on Marine drive, the route heads west and starts to climb up to the Moors. The route then dives into the Forests of Wykeham and Dalby. Keep an eye out for deer through Dalby, the route then descends to the first feed stop.
After a good feed, the route climbs up the empty gravel tracks of Langdale Forest, to reach the highest point of the route at Lilla Cross. (Weather dependent) you will be able to see the North Sea and the distance you have already covered. Don’t be fooled, you have just reached the halfway point.
Descending on forest tracks, bridleways and b-roads to the coast, the second feed stop is just after you join the cinder track. From here all the way to Scarbough, you will be on the cinder track for some smooth gravel riding and just a final climb to Olivers Mount to the finish line. It will have been a truly epic day out on the bike.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 70%
Distance:
114km
Elevation:
1500m
Difficulty:
4/5
Medium Route
Apart from missing out Wykeham and Dalby forest to start with, the Medium route is the same as long route and still boasts the gradual climb through Langdale Forest to the highest point of the route and a close to 30km on the picturesque cinder track back to Scarborough.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance:
84km
Elevation:
1050m
Difficulty:
3/5
Short Route
The short route is a selection of the best parts of this area of the world without the mammoth distance. Don’t come unprepared though, the North Yorkshire Moors doesn’t have many flat ways in or out from the coast, so bring your climbing legs and reward yourself with gravel trails through Broxa forest and follow part of the moors to sea cycle route. Finish the ride with stunning views over the shores of the North Sea on the Cinder Track.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance:
62km
Elevation:
750m
Difficulty:
2/5
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. E-bikes are allowed on all of our rides.
Tyre Choice: Both gravel and hardtail MTBs will be great for this route. For those on the longer and medium routes, maybe choose an all round wider tyre (45-50mm) if you can, as if the weather has been wet high up on the moors, the extra few mm and tread will be well received.
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: Early June in Yorkshire should be nice but even if the forecast is good, the weather can be very changeable so pack layers & a waterproof jacket. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes just outside Scarborough. 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 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.