Long Route
123km | 2500m
Medium Route
84km | 1600m
Short Route
42km | 950m
Ride Overview
PART OF THE WILD WESTIE GRAVEL WEEKEND. Ride one, two or all three stages on the bank holiday weekend as we connect two of the best gravel regions in the UK – Dunoon & Aberfoyle.
While just 90minutes from the centre of Glasgow this ride transports you to another world. Taking in the best riding the Argyll has to offer from the up and coming gravel destination that is Dunoon.
There are 3 routes to choose from taking in lochs, glens, forests and skylines, this ride is everything you imagine from Scottish gravel and more.
Take home the bragging rights that you discovered this untapped gravel mecca first.
Highlights
- Hidden forest tracks through glens and over peaks on this remote but accessible ride.
- Balcony gravel roads with views over the Clyde Estuary and beyond.
- Combine with the other rides as part of the Wild Westie bank holiday gravel weekend.
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
25th May: GPX files and pre ride briefing video sent by email to each rider.
27th May – 7.45am: Ride village at Dunoon Stadium. Collecting your ride number takes approx 10 mins.
27th May – 8am to 9.30am: Ride start. We will give you a short ride briefing and set you off in small groups.
27th May – 7pm: Rider village closes
27th May – 7pm: Link to ride times & rider photos sent to each participant by email.
Long Route
Discover the best kept secret in gravel cycing – Dunoon 👊. The route starts in town hugging the coast and then we’re straight onto the good stuff with a 5km climb leaving town to get you warmed into what will be an epic ride.
Up high on forest roads with views over the Firth of Clyde before the route turns inland over Kilbride hill. The long route bypasses Dunoon on the return leg to venture through deep glens and spin alongside Loch Ech before a rolling return home via the gravel.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 75%
Distance:
123km
Elevation:
2500m
Difficulty:
5/5
Medium Route
The medium route matches the long route for 70km before taking a more direct route home avoiding the 35km around Loch Eck and trimming some elevation from the route.
You can choose on the day which route to do. The first 70km is challenging with plenty of climbs so you can choose at this split whether to ride the 14km home or do the full long course with an extra 63km still to go.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 70%
Distance:
84km
Elevation:
1600m
Difficulty:
4/5
Short Route
The short route takes in the best of the views over the Firth of Clyde and the hidden Loch Striven before the tough climb over Kilbride hill with 4km at 5% but finishing with a 5km descent to Dunoon.
Percentage of Route Off Road: 80%
Distance:
42km
Elevation:
950m
Difficulty:
3/5
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 35-40mm all rounder gravel tyre will be ideal.
Packing List: Bring equipment to be self sufficient on the route as we go into remote areas without phone signal (inner tubes, sealant, multi-tool, pump or CO2 etc). We recommend a bell to warn walkers / runners of your presence.
Clothing: The end of May in Scotland cant guarentee anything weather wise, we reccomend both suncream and a raincape! Even though out of season we reccomend midge spray if youre prone to bites. Helmets are mandatory, you will not be able to ride without one.
FAQs
The ride starts and finishes at Dunoon Stadium. There is free parking onsite (for the whole weekend) 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.