Ride Overview
Here it is, arguably the best gravel weekend of the year. Connecting two of Scotland’s best gravel regions – Dunoon & Aberfoyle, these two rides on Saturday and Sunday take in some amazing gravel through lochs, mountains & forests on a route that is as varied as it is beautiful.
Saturday starts by the coast in Dunoon, the gateway to Argyll & Bute. This is a monster ride at almost 150km going into the mountains by Loch Lomond. In the middle of a ride is a 20 minute ferry crossing over to Inversnaid and then the final section rolls through Queen Elizabeth Forest Park to Aberfoyle.
Sunday’s ride starts & finishes in Aberfoyle riding the best gravel this wonderful area provides. Our base where parking and camping is provided is the glorious Cardross Estate just outside Aberfoyle. We also have transfers available from Cardross to Dunoon on Friday evening & Saturday morning.
An unmissable gravel weekend in stunning scenery you will hardly believe is in the UK.
Highlights
- Ride between two Scottish gravel bucket-list destinations and experience the best of the Loch Lomond and Trossocks National Park
- Explore the best gravel in Aberfoyle
- Some of the best off-road trails in the UK with breathtaking scenery including lochs, mountains, forests & rolling hills…
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 & a final feed stop. Perfect to chat about your day with fellow riders.
Event Program
23rd May: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
24th May – 7pm: Evening transfer available from Dunoon to Aberfoyle. Camping available at Cardross Estate and Dunoon.
25th May – 8am to 6pm: Loch Lomond Divide starts in Dunoon. Registration takes 10 mins and we will then give you a ride briefing and set you off in small groups. Finish in Cardross Estate in Aberfoyle. Camping available at Cardross Estate.
26th May – 8am to 6pm: Aberfoyle Gravel Epic starts and finishes at Cardross Estate.
26th May – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Loch Lomond Divide
One route. Point to Point. 149km.
This supported gravel challenge is the best way to see the all that is special about the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park.
Climbing in stunning forest gravel from the start, the biggest climbs and the bulk of the elevation gain are in the first half of this ride.
After a punchy departure from Dunoon the 2 main climbs of the route are the Curra Lochain Climb with 5km at 6% followed shortly by the aptly named Rest and be Thankful climb 5km at 5% both of these have delightful off road views to keep the pedals turning.
From now on each pedalstroke takes you closer to Aberfoyle and the final 5km gravel descent to finish and savour the experience on this epic day out.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 70%
Distance:
149km
Elevation:
2800m
Difficulty:
5/5
Aberfoyle Gravel Epic
Perhaps the best gravel riding in the UK…
Heading north from the town of Aberfoyle initially this route takes in the Achray Forest and some punchy climbs before heading south into the Loch Ard Forest.
Whilst the toughest climbs are in the first half of the route a tough switchback climb near the base of Ben Lomond will be sure to cause distraction from the stunning views before looping home via Loch Chron.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 90%
Distance:
104km, 74km or 43km
Elevation:
2200m, 1450m or 950m
Difficulty:
4/5
Short Route
A short, tough but very rewarding medium route. We follow the long route up to the reservoirs over a big back road climb and through lovely gravel in the forest before skipping the section round the reservoirs and a rapid descent back to Ruthin.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance:
53km
Elevation:
1150m
Difficulty:
3.5/5
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: We will send an update on conditions closer to the ride. The gravel on the route is mostly smooth so a 38-46mm all rounder gravel tyre will be ideal.
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: The weather could be changeable in late May as we cover large distances and go into the mountains so ensure you pack well with layers & a waterproof. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The Loch Lomond Divide starts in Dunoon and finishes at Cardross Estate near Aberfoyle. We suggest parking at Cardross, we have transfers on Friday night from Cardross to Dunoon if you want to stay in Dunoon on Friday or a transfer on Sat morning if you want to stay in Aberfoyle / Cardross for the whole weekend. Sunday’s ride starts & finishes at Cardross Estate. 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.